In recent years, flying-foxes have been associated with two potentially fatal viruses: Hendra, or Equine Morbillivirus (EMV) and Australian Bat Lissavirus (ABLV). Hendra virus is not contagious from bats to humans. It requires a mediator, such as horses, in the case of Australian incidents. More research needs to be done, as the suspected transmission mode from bats to horses is still unknown. Another animal may prove to be the catalist of this disease.
Lyssavirus is one of the rarest fatal diseases in the world, killing only 2 people in recorded history over 14 years ago (not to minimise the loss of those 2 people). It is now thought that only a very small part of the bat population may have this virus – estimated to be less than 0.5% of the entire Australian bat population. Since routine vaccinations, no one has died.
Bats and Hendra Virus – The Facts
Flying-foxes have also been associated with a couple of rare events where the Hendra virus spread to horses. Scientists are yet to determine how horses are infected, and the link between horses and flying-foxes is not conclusive. It may in fact be another animal which is the catalyst. Hendra virus does not spread to humans from flying-foxes. Horse owners should visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_2900.htm for more info about protecting their horses from Hendra virus and themselves from sick horses.
The best prevention of course is to NEVER HANDLE BATS. Always report injured or sick animals to the right authority. Handling bats could put you at risk. If you find a sick or injured animal, cover it with a cardboard box, towel or washing basket and contact an agency immediately. People who rescue bats have been vaccinated and trained in how to handle them.
And please DO NOT KILL any bats, whatever your opinion of them, or however bad a bat may be injured or sick. All bats are protected species. It is illegal to harm bats and all native wildlife, and heavy fines are issued to anyone killing bats.
Important!
If you do find a bat alone during the day or night, this is not normal. It needs help, whether it is a flying-fox or a smaller bat. It is very important that you do not touch or pick up any bat. It is a wild animal and when frightened may bite or scratch. Never handle bats. If you’re in Brisbane, seek help immediately by calling the Brisbane Bat Rescue Hotline below. Elsewhere you can call your local WIRES group or similar native animal rescue service. Do not risk any kind of infection by being bitten or scratched.
If you are bitten or scratched, wash the area well immediately with soap and warm water for about 10 minutes, the seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you find an injured or sick flying-fox or any bat, please contact the Bat Rescue Hotline urgently on 0488 228 134 and for more info please visit www.bats.org.au