PEOPLE across the Southern region are being reminded to avoid all contact with bats following another detection of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in a grey-headed flying fox that was found by a wildlife carer in Sydney.
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NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said samples from the deceased bat were submitted to the Department of Primary Industries’ Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) where it tested positive to ABLV on Friday 11 April.
“This is the third time this year a bat that has bitten or scratched a person has tested positive for ABLV and is a timely reminder of the risks of handling bats,” Mr Roth said.
“While only a small proportion of bats carry this virus, these affected bats can be found in residential areas.
“Australian bat lyssavirus is spread in the saliva of infected bats and infection occurs when virus in saliva enters the body through breaks in the skin such as bites and scratches.
“Infection in people and horses is very rare however because of the serious consequences it is extremely important for people to avoid handling bats.”
NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases Dr Vicky Sheppeard said there are some important steps to follow if you come into contact with a bat.
“If someone is bitten or scratched by any type of bat they should thoroughly clean the wound for at least five minutes with soap and water as soon as possible, apply an antiseptic such as Betadine, and seek urgent medical advice,” Dr Sheppeard said.
“They may require a series of injections to protect against lyssavirus infection and the first two need to be given as soon as possible.
“It is important you seek advice from your GP or local public health unit regarding treatment.
The advice for all the public is: * Do not attempt to touch or handle a live or dead bat.
* Only trained, vaccinated bat handlers should attempt to catch injured or sick bats.
* If you encounter a sick, injured, or dead bat, contact the experts at WIRES on 1300 094 737.
* If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, immediately contact your doctor.
Mr Roth said a new rapid response test developed at EMAI was used to provide quick and reliable results for health officials and the wildlife carer.
Australian bat lyssavirus is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of bats.
This virus is found in all species of bats – small insectivorous microbats as well as the larger flying fox species.
