Metro South Health’s Public Health Unit is reminding residents not to touch or pick up bats and flying foxes, even if they appear sick or injured.
The extreme weather conditions can significantly disrupt the habitats of native wildlife, often causing displacement and forcing bats to seek shelter in unfamiliar or higher ground areas.
Bats carry bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to humans, especially the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV).
ABLV is a serious and fatal virus in humans that attacks the nervous system, similar to rabies.
If you find a bat stuck on a fence, in bird netting or on the ground, do not touch it. Contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland on 0488 228 134.
If you have had exposure to a bat, you may require a series of rabies vaccine injections to protect against Australian bat lyssavirus, even if you have been previously vaccinated. You may also need a tetanus vaccination.
Please contact your GP practice or ring 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) immediately.
For further information, see links below: