Community
13 December, 2024
Stay away from Shire bats
PUBLIC health officials are warning people to steer clear of bats, as squeaks, squawks, and strong stenches from trees have signalled bat breeding season in Far North Queensland.
Tropical Public Health Services director Dr Jacqui Murdoch said flying foxes and other bats were important native animals and helped with pollination and controlling insect pests.
However, Dr Murdoch said the animals could carry dangerous diseases such as Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV).
An infection similar to rabies, ABLV can be transmitted through a bat bite or scratch, or possibly through exposure of the eyes, nose, or mouth to bat saliva.
Three human deaths resulting from ABLV infection have been identified in Australia, occurring in 1996, 1998 and 2013.
“So far this year, there have been 13 people either bitten or scratched by bats, who have required medical treatment,” Dr Murdoch said.
“Is it essential that people do not touch bats,” she said.
“Similar to being bitten by a rabid dog or monkey in Asia, anyone bitten or even scratched by a bat needs a series of injections to prevent a potentially fatal illness.
“Keep children away too.”
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