Bats can transmit pathogens through direct contact, such as bites or scratches, and indirectly through their feces and urine. In some cases, bats also act as intermediate hosts, facilitating the transmission of pathogens to other animals, which can then infect humans. For example, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is believed to have originated in bats before being transmitted to humans, possibly through an intermediate host like a pangolin.