The Metro South Public Health Unit has confirmed that a little red flying fox recovered from Lions Bicentennial Park, Beaudesert, has tested positive for Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV).
Dr Kari Jarvinen, Public Health Physician at Metro South Public Health, said the ABLV infection is fatal to humans and urged anyone who could have had contact with this bat to present to their doctor urgently and ask their doctor to contact the Public Health Unit immediately.
“The bat was found a few metres off the footpath, 50 to 100 metres along from McKee Street bridge heading into Lions Bicentennial Park, Beaudesert, on the morning of Friday 22 January. It was taken into care by appropriately trained and vaccinated carers,” Dr Jarvinen said.
“The sick bat was tested for ABLV and was found to be positive. This result was notified to Queensland Health and relevant follow-up was undertaken by the Metro South Public Health Unit.
“We have been in contact with the people who reported the bat when it was found, and also those who cared for it, to determine any contact they had with the bat and whether they were vaccinated. Once the bat was rescued, it was only handled by trained and vaccinated carers.
“It is very important to provide urgent treatment if anyone has had a scratch or bite from a bat to prevent a lethal disease.”
Dr Jarvinen said bats should not be handled by members of the public under any circumstances even if they appear dead. Only people who are trained and appropriately vaccinated should handle bats.
If you find a sick or injured bat please contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or click on this link to find their website.
