Bats
Bats, including flying-foxes and microbats, are native throughout Australia and play an important role in the ecosystem.
Bats may carry 2 known infections that can pose a serious risk to human and animal health:
Australian bat lyssavirus can be passed directly from flying-foxes and microbats, to humans and potentially other animals. It is more common in sick, injured or orphaned bats.
Hendra viruses have only been known to be transmitted to humans from infected horses.
Injured or fallen bats
Do not touch or handle a bat yourself. The only people who should have close contact with bats are:
- trained to handle bats
- vaccinated
- using personal protective equipment.
If you find a sick or injured bat, phone either:
Fauna Rescue SA bat helpline: 8486 1139
Bat Rescue SA: 0475 132 093.
Avoiding infection in humans
While infection from bats is rare, you should presume that any bat has the potential to spread disease.
If a person comes into contact with bat saliva, gets bitten, or scratched by a bat, they should:
- seek urgent medical attention
- arrange for the bat to be submitted to PIRSA's VETLAB for testing by contacting the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline.
For more health information including first aid, go to SA Health.
Avoiding infection in animals
Infections from bats are potentially fatal. Reduce the risk of bat infections in your animals by avoiding direct contact with bats.
If you notice bats around, make sure your animals are physically separated from them by moving the animals indoors, or away from the area until the bats have gone.
If you think your animal has been bitten or scratched by a bat, you should immediately contact your vet or the below hotline.