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This is a vampire bat, named for its meals of blood. Scientists are discovering new links between vampire bats and rabies. Rabies will likely reach the Pacific Coast of Peru -- where the virus currently does not occur -- within four years. Researchers reported that the vector-borne virus, which is moving at a rate of 10 miles per year, is likely being carried by infected male vampire bats, and could arrive at the Peruvian coast by June 2020.
Additional analyses showed that male bats, which leave their colonies upon reaching maturity, are using Andes Mountain corridors to carry the virus westward.Image credit: D. Streicker
