Some flying foxes and other bats carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus. If you get bitten or scratched, they may transfer the virus to you. This can be fatal if not treated straight away.
How to treat bites and scratches
- Wash the area with soap and water for 15 minutes.
- Apply an antiseptic.
- See your local doctor as soon as you can.
Find out more
For more information, contact your local Public Health Unit. You can find their details on the Queensland Health website.
Prevent contact with bats
You can help prevent bat bites and scratches by:
- not handling any bat
- teaching your children to never touch bats
- placing a box or washing basket over a live bat if it's on the ground, removing children from the area, and calling a trained handler
- calling a trained handler to rescue bats that are trapped, for example in fences or nets
- using a shovel or other tool to put a dead bat in the bin instead of picking it up.