HUNTER and New England residents are urged not to touch or handle flying foxes or microbats, no matter how distressed or injured the animal may appear.
Hunter New England Local Health District Public Health Physician, Dr David Durrheim, said the warning is particularly timely with the arrival of spring and warmer weather, when people may encounter bats more often.
He said people need to protect themselves from infection and viruses, including the deadly Australian bat lyssavirus.
“If a flying fox or microbat is found on the ground or appears to need help, it’s important not to touch or handle it, whether it is dead or alive,” Dr Durrheim said.
“Instead, we are urging the public to call their nearest wildlife rescue service to come to the bat’s aid.
“If you see a dead bat in a public area, contact your local council and ask them to dispose of it. If a bat is in distress, please call your local wildlife rehabilitation organisation.
“Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a flying fox or microbat should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action – such as those outlined in the NSW lyssavirus factsheet – after washing,” he said.
“Anyone who has had contact with a bat must also seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess whether they are at risk of infection and to access post-exposure treatment and vaccination if required.”
Post-exposure treatment is crucial for people bitten or scratched by bats, because there is no effective treatment once the symptoms of Australian bat lyssavirus commence.
Lyssaviruses are a group of viruses that includes bat lyssavirus in Australia and rabies overseas.
Australian bat lyssavirus can only be passed to humans from an infected flying fox or bat.
Infection in humans can occur when bat saliva comes into contact with human tissue via an open wound or the eyes or mouth.
Rabies is a closely related lyssavirus, which can be carried by mammals such as dogs, cats, monkeys and bats around the world, including in some of Australia’s closest neighbours, including Bali and Thailand.
Residents are urged not to try to rescue bats in distress, injured or on the ground, but contact the nearest wildlife rescue service.
Some local providers include WIRES on 1300 094 737 and Hunter Wildlife Rescue on 0418 628483.
