I think as well the precautionary principle applied in this manner would
also result in a policy to control the primary host of the hematophagus
chiroptera. The are many species of bats, so the control of the specific
vectors of rabies would require control of the primary hosts which are
likely to be cattle and other ungulates. These would have to go first. Other
methods of eradication would involve removing species of bats that were
beneficial for agriculture and for control of insect vectors of more common
diseases such as malaria. Many bat species are crucial in the fertilization
and reproduction of economically important forest trees and shrubs, so in
addition. 

If was determined in advance that it was both possible to eradicate a bat
vector of rabies without upsetting ecological functions, and leave
economically important species unaltered in terms of reproduction, then the
eradication alternative would be supported ethically. Perhaps this would be
a true case of an imperative. However considering the fact that all
hematophagus bats migrate to the US and Canada (?) from tropical areas, I am
sure that eradication would be impossible unless millions of dollars were
spent in places like Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Mexico, and
Quatemala. An all out eradication may be impossible economically. 

It would be simpler and cheaper to get screens on windows at night, and
offer persons vaccines in advance. But who knows for sure? 

John
                              
RED LIST RED ALERT!: "Over 200 animals worldwide" have been added onto
the World Conservation Union's "red list" of species critically
threatened and endangered says CNN 9/28. The new additions bring the
number of plants and animals "facing a high risk of extinction in the
near future," to 11,046. According to the WCU, "the new additions
confirm that "a wave of species extinction often speculated by
scientists is well under way." The threat "in almost all cases" results
from human activities, with  habitat loss, mainly deforestation, and
urbanization primary factors in "90% of the endangered listings."
Humans are credited with causing the extinction of 816 known plant and
animal species (and countless other unknown ones) in the last 500
years.
  
U.S. CONSUMPTION DOOMS MAHOGANY: A new report from TRAFFIC, a
biodiversity trade monitoring program of the WWF and IUCN-WCU finds
that U.S. demand for big leaf mahogany is driving the tree and other
species dependent on its rainforest habitat toward extinction says ENS
9/28. The magnificent tree, which ranges from Brazil to Mexico, could
soon become endangered  unless "increased import tariffs, consumer
education and international protection" are immediately implemented to
reduce commercial exploitation.
  



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