Bat capture and sampling
In Bulacan Province, sampling targeted insectivorous bats and small fruit bats, including taxa (or related taxa) previously associated with filoviruses in Africa [1]. We strategically deployed mist-nets and harp traps [20] after dusk to capture bats as they exited caves or foraged through the evening. Nets were continuously monitored, and bats removed on capture and placed in individual cotton bags; harp traps were monitored either continuously or periodically, the latter typically at hourly intervals, and bats removed from the holding bag of the trap and placed in individual calico bags. Bags were carried to the processing station (maximum 10 min) and hung from horizontal lines at minimum of 150 mm apart to ensure adequate ventilation. Following sample and data collection, bats were offered fruit juice for hydration and energy, and immediately released.
At Subic Bay, the sampling targeted pteropodid fruit bats (flying foxes), which were captured by mist-net [20] pre-dawn and post-dusk in the immediate vicinity of the known roost. Captured bats were held individually in cotton pillowcases and transported 3.4 km by vehicle to the Wildlife in Need Rescue Centre for processing. Bats were sequentially anaesthetised using the inhalation agent isofluorane [21]. Following data and sample collection, bats were recovered from anaesthesia, offered fruit juice (for hydration and energy), and released at their capture location within four hours of capture [19].