South Australians are being reminded not to handle bats to avoid contracting potentially fatal diseases, after Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) was recently detected in a bat in South Australia.
ABLV infection is a rabies-like disease that can be transmitted to humans who are bitten or scratched by an infected bat.
The positive result identified this week is the fifth detection of ABLV in a bat in South Australia this year, with a total of nine detections since the first in 2012.
As the weather warms up, the high temperatures also increase the number of heat-stressed bats and pups falling to the ground.
Like most wild animals, healthy bats are naturally shy and will not approach humans or allow themselves to be handled, so it’s easy to avoid contact.
However, if you are bitten or scratched by a bat, or come into contact with bat saliva, you should take immediate action by:
- cleaning the area with soap and water for at least fifteen minutes
- applying antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine
- contacting a doctor or hospital emergency department immediately and commencing a course of post-exposure prophylaxis if necessary
If you do come across a bat that appears to be dead, injured or in distress, do not touch the bat and contact the Fauna Rescue SA bat helpline on 8486 1139 or Bat Rescue SA on 0475 132 093.
For more information, please visit the Australian bat lyssavirus on the PIRSA website.