Bats

Bats

Bendigo's native bat population

The Bendigo region is home to a large native bat population. The two main types of bats we see in this area are the grey-headed flying fox and microbats.

The flying foxes have established a permanent home at Bendigo’s Rosalind Park and the group’s size can range from 200 members in winter to 2000 in summer. 

While bats are not dangerous to humans when left alone, living in close to them means we may still come in contact or see them in and around our homes. 

Bats in Australia are protected native wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975. This means it is an offence to kill or injure or harm them, interfere with their roosts, or move them from where they are found. 

Australian Bat Lyssa Virus (ABLV)

Bats in Australia can carry a virus known as the Australian Bat Lyssa Virus (ABLV), which is related to the rabies virus.

It is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal.

ABLV can transmit from a bat through a bite or a scratch. 

The most important rule with bats is to try and avoid handling them at all. Only appropriately vaccinated and trained people should handle bats. 

What to do if you have been in contact with bats:

People are strongly advised not to handle bats (live or dead). Contact Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300,they will be able to send a trained and vaccinated wildlife handler to help.  

First aid advice

Regardless of previous rabies vaccination,  

  • Clean the wound wellfor with soap and lots of water for at least 15 minutes as soon as possible after the exposure to reduce the risk of rabies and ABLV.  
  • Exposed mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth) should be washedstraight away with plenty ofwater.  
  • If available,apply antiseptic like iodine(eg:betadine) or alcohol after washing.  
  • Get medical help as soon as you can. There are vaccines and post-exposure treatments for ABLV which need to be given as soon as possible. 

What to do if:

WHAT IF? 

WHAT TO DO? 

I see a sick or injured bat or bat on the ground 

  • Do not touch the bat.  

  • Keep children and pets away.  

  • Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300. 

 

I see a dead bat 

  • Do not handle with bare hands, even if there is baby bat attached to the dead bat 

  • Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300. 

 

I see a bat hanging during the day 

  • That is not normalbehaviour, but do not try to touch it. 

  • Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300. 

 

I see a bat tangled in netting, wire, or powerline 

 

  • Do not try to rescue as they can become aggressive and bite when scared. 

  • Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300. 

 

There is a bat in my house 

 

  • Do not touch it.  

  • Open doors and windows, turn off indoor lights, and ceiling fans.  

  • Turn on outdoor light of house. 

  • Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 if it can't fly, or if the bat is still inside after doing the above. 

  • Once the bat is out of your house, wear gloves to clean up any messes (e.g.bat droppings, urine) and wash hands thoroughly after. 

 

My pet has caught a bat 

 

  • Get the pet to drop the bat.  

  • If handling the bat use thick gloves (eg: Gardening gloves), and wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves. 

  • Take pet to a vet for post-exposure vaccine. 

  • Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300. 

 

I getbitten or scratchedby a bat 

 

  • Seek medical attention immediately. 

 

Advice if travelling to countries with bats:

  • Travellers should avoid close contact with bats anywhere in the world. 
  • Travellers to regions where rabies is commonshould also avoid close contact with wild or domestic animals(especially dogs, cats, and monkeys). 
  • If any contact is made with bats, seek medical help as soon as possible for post-exposure management and treatment.  
  • Parents should ensure their children are careful around animals, as young children are at a higher risk of bites to the face and head because of their height. 
  • A rabies vaccination (or booster if appropriate) is recommended for some countries before travelling. Check with your doctor before your trip to see if a vaccination is recommended. 

For healthcare providers:

If you are assessing a person who has been exposed to a bat, please refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook at Rabies and other lyssaviruses | The Australian Immunisation Handbook (health.gov.au)for guidance with assessment and post-exposure treatment. 

Link to pre-exposure rabies vaccine form and post-exposure rabies treatment form - Ordering vaccines | health.vic.gov.au 

Contact the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit (LMPHU) for help arranging and ordering post-exposure prophylaxis within the region. Our 24-hour phone number to call is 1800 959 400.