Livestock farmers in the Toledo district are confronting a substantial challenge with the surge in vampire bat populations, intensifying the risks of rabies transmission. In a proactive response to this emerging concern, the Toledo Agriculture Department implemented comprehensive measures throughout the week. Executing a series of bat trappings in Bladen and Mafradi Villages, the initiative specifically targeted small cattle farms, addressing assistance requests received through the Belize Livestock Producers Association (BLPA). These requests predominantly came from farmers grappling with distressing attacks on their livestock.

The outcomes of the trapping efforts were remarkable, with a total of 23 vampire bats captured. To efficiently manage their population, the captured bats underwent meticulous procedures, including teeth clipping and pasting. Subsequently, the bats were responsibly released back into the environment.

This initiative underscores the Toledo Agriculture Department’s unwavering commitment to addressing the immediate challenges faced by livestock farmers in the district. Actively engaging in population control measures, the department aims to mitigate the impact of vampire bat attacks on livestock and, consequently, reduce the risks of rabies transmission.

Ongoing endeavors to raise awareness within the livestock community about the importance of preventive vaccination and efficient management practices persist. The Toledo Agriculture Department encourages collaboration and information sharing among farmers to collectively confront the challenges posed by vampire bat populations.