Are Bats Really to Blame for the COVID-19 Pandemic?

You can watch a recording of this webinar here.

Bats have been identified by some experts and in the media as the culprits behind the costliest pandemic in modern history, even though the source and method of transmission of the novel coronavirus remain unclear. Despite a long tradition of being misunderstood and feared, bats have an outstanding record of living safely with humans. Exaggerated warnings of bat disease risks aren’t just misguided. They threaten the health of entire ecosystems and economies. Merlin Tuttle, one of the world’s leading bat scientists and conservation experts, will discuss with Daniel Sarewitz the vital role bats play in ecosystems and how misplaced public health concerns are endangering these important mammals.

Register for this online event and be sure to read the new essay on this subject at Issues in Science and Technology.

This event is cohosted by Issues in Science and Technology, the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes, and Future Tense.