As Queensland faces another hot summer and storm season, health authorities are warning residents to avoid handling bats found on the ground. Distressed or dead bats may be encountered more frequently during extreme heat or severe weather, and Queensland Health reminds the community that contact can be dangerous.
Bats can carry Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to rabies. While human infection is rare, it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
Very hot temperatures or a mix of heat and humidity can cause bats to become heat-stressed and fall to the ground. Storms and strong winds can also disrupt their normal behaviour, causing bats to fall from trees or seek shelter closer to the ground.
Queensland Health advises people not to attempt rescuing or handling distressed or dead bats and to instead contact a trained wildlife rescuer.
Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said ABLV can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or saliva, and avoiding contact is the safest approach.
“All bats have the potential to carry ABLV. While transmission to humans is rare, unfortunately, once symptoms appear, there is no known effective treatment,” Dr McDougall said.
“Prevention is key. The safest thing Queenslanders can do is assume any bat they come across could be carrying ABLV and avoid any contact.
“Even if the bat looks dead, do not touch it.
“If the bat appears to need help, call the RSPCA, local wildlife carers or Queensland’s Bat Conservation and Rescue team.
“I’d also encourage parents to remind their children to never touch a bat they find on the ground.”
Dr McDougall said the safest action for people who come across a bat is to keep children and pets away, and, if safe to do so, place a box or washing basket over the bat until a trained and vaccinated handler arrives.
“If you are bitten, scratched, or have contact with bat saliva, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes,” she added.
“Then apply an antiseptic if available and seek medical care as soon as possible for assessment and post-exposure treatment.”
Residents are urged to report injured or distressed bats to:
For medical advice on bites and exposure, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for 24/7 guidance from registered nurses. For further information, visit the Queensland Government websites on living with bats and Australian bat lyssavirus.
Distressed or fallen bats are more common during extreme heat and storms - Queensland Health urges people to keep their distance and call trained wildlife rescuers (Photo Supplied)
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