Can you catch any diseases from handling a bat?

Yes, handling a bat can expose you to several diseases, the most notable of which is rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral disease of the central nervous system that is transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected mammal. Other diseases that may be transmitted by bats include histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease caused by a fungus that grows in bat droppings, and leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headaches, and muscle pain. Given the potential health risks, it's best to avoid handling bats and to seek medical attention if you have been bitten or scratched by one.