In an alert issued on Friday, a Metro North Public Health Unit spokesperson said Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) was fatal to humans and anyone who may have had contact with the animal should immediately contact their doctor.
“The bat was found in an area adjacent to the main car park at Anstead Bushland Reserve, late in the afternoon on Wednesday, 30th of December 2020,” the spokesperson said. “It was taken into care by appropriately trained and vaccinated carers.”
“The bat, which subsequently died, was sent for testing for ABLV and was found to be positive.”
The spokesperson added that bats, even those which appear dead, should not be handled by members of the public under any circumstances.
“We have been in contact with those people who reported the bat when it was found and those who cared for it, to check any contact they may have had with the bat and whether they were vaccinated,” they said. “Once the bat was rescued, it was only handled by trained and vaccinated carers.”
“It is very important to provide urgent treatment if anyone has had a scratch or bite from a bat to prevent a lethal disease.”
Australian bat lyssavirus causes paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death. If a rabies vaccine is given after exposure but before a person becomes unwell, it will prevent it.
Once a person develops the disease, first identified in 1994 and since found in four kinds of flying foxes, fruit bats or microbats, there is no specific treatment.
If a sick or injured bat is found, people are urged to contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or a local bat care organisation.
