Changes in bats' diets can increase spread of viruses and spillover risk

Researchers found bats shed more virus when they lost their native habitat and sought food on agricultural lands.

They found that bats ate more food on suboptimal diets, which may correlate to more foraging, greater movement and increased spillover of virus into other hosts.

The research warns of the impact of climate change and land development on the behavior and health of bats.

The study is further evidence that preventing the next pandemic must include plans to preserve and restore natural habitats and food sources.

"We're in an extraordinary situation right now, where we are actively dismantling our ability to detect and respond," Plowright said.

"The next Pandemic could be far deadlier," he said.