So far only 13 bats out of 13,000 have tested positive to rabies. So the chance of them having rabies is slim
Bats in the UK and rabies
A small number of bats in the UK have been found to carry EBLV, a rabies virus. There are two known strains: EBLV1 and EBLV2.
In the UK, 13 bats have been found with EBLV2: 10 in England, two in Scotland and one in Wales (one of these cases was confirmed through active surveillance work, the other 12 through a passive surveillance programme). All were Daubenton's bats.
Three bats have tested positive for EBLV1 antibodies: a serotine in the south of England and two Natterer's bats in Scotland. The presence of antibodies indicates past exposure to the virus but not the presence of live virus.
The Animal & Plant Health Agency has tested over 13,000 UK bats since 1986 for EBLV through its passive surveillance programme and only 12 bats have been found with EBVL2 and none with EBLV1. These bats have been sent in by members of the public and bat workers.
Further active surveillance research by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Scottish Executive and Scottish Natural Heritage found just one bat, which tested positive for EBLV2, taking the total to 13 bats (all Daubenton's bats). Details can be obtained from the Bat Helpline (0345 1300 228).
The presence of EBLV in bats in the UK does not affect the UK's rabies free status