Batty pathogens: Why do bats spread so many diseases?

Why is it that when we hear of disease outbreaks, it always seems to be bats? According to UF Emerging Pathogens Institute member Jim Wellehan, Ph.D., what sets bats apart is their long history of co-existing with viruses, the unique tradeoffs of flight and, perhaps most of all, a history of adapting to new pathogens