Australian Bat Lyssavirus: stay safe, don’t touch bats
Australian bats (flying foxes) can carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus related to rabies, which is deadly to humans and other animals. Do not touch bats and keep your pets away from them.
Never touch a bat (flying fox or microbat), whether it is alive, injured or dead. Bats can carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), a deadly virus which is transmitted through bites, scratches or saliva.
Always keep children and pets away from bats. ABLV is a serious, rabies-like virus that can cause severe illness and death in humans and other animals. Only vaccinated and trained wildlife professionals should handle bats.
If you find a distressed bat, keep your distance and call a wildlife rescue group, such as Wildcare on 08 89 886 121 or 0408 885 341. If a bat is dead on your property, avoid direct contact.
Wear thick gloves and use a shovel or tongs to place the bat into a bag, then double‑bag it and dispose of it in your general waste bin.
If you are bitten or scratched by a bat:
- wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
- apply an antiseptic solution, e.g. povidone-iodine, after washing if available
- for bat saliva in the eyes, mouth or nose, flush the area with lots of water for several minutes
- get medical attention immediately for rabies post exposure treatment, even if you are already vaccinated
- get a tetanus injection if necessary.
More information can be found at Heath conditions | Australian bat lyssavirus and rabies webpage
