“Don’t touch bats” is the plea of health authorities as the creatures move around Western NSW communities including Dubbo.
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The Western NSW Local Health District reports of a “low” number of people treated for bat bites or scratches within its boundaries this year.
But its co-ordinator communicable disease control Priscilla Stanley thinks there may be others who “don’t actually seek treatment”.
The prospect of someone contracting a “potentially fatal disease” has prompted advice to regional residents.
“All types of bats, including both flying foxes and micro-bats, can carry life-threatening diseases such as Australian Bat Lyssavirus, a rabies-like virus,” Ms Stanley said.
“Australian Bat Lyssavirus is found in the saliva of infected animals. The virus can only be spread to other animals and people through the bite or scratch of a flying fox or bat.
“Human infections with these viruses are very rare. In Australia, there have been three confirmed cases of Australian Bat Lyssavirus in humans. All were in Queensland.
“There have been no cases of human infections in NSW to date, although five bats have tested positive to Lyssavirus in NSW this year.”
Ms Stanley said it was “unsafe” for people to touch bats.
“Members of the community should not handle flying foxes unless they have been trained, vaccinated against rabies and use the proper protective equipment,” she said.
“If you find an injured or distressed flying fox, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Call your local wildlife rescue service WIRES on 1300 094 737.
“If anyone is bitten or scratched by a flying fox or bat the wound should immediately be washed gently but thoroughly with soap and water, an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine applied, and a doctor consulted as soon as possible to assess the need for further treatment.”
In November WIRES told of flying foxes heading inland because of a food shortage on the coast.
It had received calls from communities including Dubbo to rescue them.
WIRES spokeswoman Storm Stanford said flying fox females were excellent mothers but without food ceased to lactate.
“As the young pups are too young to fend for themselves they starve to death,” she said.
