Bats are evolutionary marvels, and their ability to spread diseases is a result of their unique biology.
With over 1,500 species, bats make up around a fifth of all mammals, second only to rodents.
Their wide biodiversity contributes to their reputation as disease carriers, as 50 million years of evolutionary adaptation have made them suited to contracting and spreading pathogens.
[Infectious disease] has been the biggest factor in all of evolution
According to University of Florida veterinary pathologist Jim Wellehan, bats have been exposed to many diseases and have developed genes to resist them.
Author's summary: Bats' unique biology makes them prone to spreading diseases.