Health authorities have raised concerns about people handling bats and risking exposure to the potentially fatal disease, Australian Bat Lyssavirus, following a recent segment on the television program, "Outback Wildlife Rescue".
Lyssavirus is a close relative of the rabies virus and may be carried by Australian fruit or insectivorous bats. Lyssavirus is usually transmitted to humans via bites or scratches that provide direct access of the virus in bat saliva to breaks in the skin and exposed tissue and through mucous membranes.
Lyssavirus is a potentially fatal disease but vaccination is protective if given promptly.
The television program showed a wildlife rescuer handling a bat that had become entangled in fencing wire. The rescuer was not wearing puncture-proof gloves or other protective clothing and had allowed the bat to crawl on their body, risking a scratch or bite.
DHF Centre for Disease Control's Immunisation Project Officer, Chris Nagy, said that while it was likely the staff had been vaccinated, viewers may have gained the impression it was safe to handle bats, especially those in apparent distress.
"It is best to assume that all bats are infected. Unless you are vaccinated do not try to rescue bats. If you find a sick or injured bat contact your nearest wildlife rescue service.
"If you are bitten or scratched by any type of bat in the Northern Territory, or by an animal overseas, you should:
- Thoroughly clean the wound for at least five minutes with soap and water.
- Apply an antiseptic solution if available.
- Seek urgent medical advice - you may require a series of injections to protect against lyssavirus or rabies infection.
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson, DHF Media Liaison Officer, 0401 116 144
Release date: 21 January 2008
