Do bats spread disease?
Like all other animals including humans, bats can be hosts to viruses and parasites. Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL): This is a rabies-like virus that has been identified in flying-foxes and micro-bats. Infection of humans is extremely rare (only two cases ever documented in Australia). Research so far indicates that less than 1 % of wild flying-foxes carry the virus. This virus is transmitted by a bite or scratch from an infected bat. If bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the wound with water and contact your nearest Health Authority. Health authorities state that people living near flying-foxes are not at risk provided they do not handle bats. People such as vets, researchers, educators or carers who handle bats should be vaccinated against ABL. Hendra Virus: Some species of flying-fox can be infected with Hendra Virus (previously Equine Morbilli Virus). This disease has only ever been transmitted to people from infected horses. There is no evidence to show that bats can transmit thi
