Distressed bats could carry dangerous viruses

With thousands of heat-stressed fruit bats literally falling from the trees as the state battles the hottest and driest summer on record, health authorities warn handling them can be fatal. Here’s what to do.

Bats may look cute, but they could be carrying dangerous diseases.

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It may be human nature to try to help a distressed or injured animal affected by the heat of bushfires, but good Samaritans should be wary and avoid approaching distressed bats as they may carry a fatal disease.

All four species of Australian fruit bats (flying foxes) and at least three species of insectivorous bats can potentially carry lyssavirus, a very close relative of the rabies virus.

Authorities in Queensland and New South Wales report increasing numbers ofsick and dead bats since Septemberin an area stretching from northern NSW up to Gladstone in Queensland.

Many of the animals found on the ground have been highly emaciated and dehydrated.

Director of Public Health at the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, associate professor Bradley Forssman, said lyssavirus could be transmitted from bats to humans through infected saliva from a bite or scratch.

“Looks can be deceiving and sometimes animals can be infectious without showing any visible signs of sickness,” he said.

“The virus can easily be contracted through breaks in your skin.”

Mr Forssman said the best protection against being exposed to lyssavirus was to avoid handling any bats in the wild.

Associate Professor at the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Bradley Forssman, said bats may carry a rabies-like virus, lyssavirus. Pic: Supplied.

If you encounter a bat that appears injured or distressed, don’t try to rescue it.

“You are potentially putting yourself at risk of infection if you attempt to handle a wild bat,” Mr Forssman said.

For your safety, as well as the bats, the best advice is to call in trained experts from your local wildlife rescue group who can help retrieve and care for the animal.”

Bats in and around the Penrith region have previously tested positive to lyssavirus.

If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, Mr Forssman advises to clean the wound immediately with soap and water for at least five minutes, apply an antiseptic solution after washing, and seek urgent medical advice from your GP.