Cases of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in flying foxes in South-East Queensland

The AVA has been made aware that cases of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in flying foxes in South-East Queensland have been confirmed.

If a member of the public presents a sick or injured bat to a veterinary practice please take the following into consideration:

• Follow the protocol or procedures of your practice with regards to handling of the bat
• If you are unable to care for the bat, please ensure that the RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL, or 1300 264625) or a bat care organisation in their local area (search ‘bat care’ on the internet) is contacted
• If you become aware of any potential human exposures to ABLV, please refer this to Queensland Health (call 13 HEALTH, or 13 43 25 84) immediately for advice and appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis
• Please spread the public health message – ‘Do not touch injured, sick or dead bats.’ Providing advice to the public on safe bat handling practices and warning of the dangers of exposures to infectious diseases from bats would help reduce the chance of potential human exposures to ABLV.