NSW Health has urged residents to avoid touching bats after a sharp increase in bite and scratch incidents raised concerns about exposure to Australian bat lyssavirus, a rare but potentially fatal infection.
Forty-three people were assessed by NSW Health after being bitten or scratched by bats between 28 September and 10 October, compared with 10 cases during the same two-week period in 2025.
The reported incidents included coastal areas across Hunter New England, the Mid North Coast, Northern NSW and the Central Coast.
Keira Glasgow, Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, said the increase was a reminder that people should never handle bats, particularly during spring and summer when the animals are more active.
“We want people to assume that any bat could carry Australian bat lyssavirus, which is a close relative to the rabies virus and very dangerous to humans,” Ms Glasgow said.
Although transmission to humans is extremely rare, infection can be fatal once symptoms develop, with no effective treatment available at that stage.
“If you see a bat that is injured or in distress, call your local wildlife rescue service and do not touch it. Only trained, protected and vaccinated wildlife handlers should interact with bats,” Ms Glasgow said.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes, apply an antiseptic with antiviral action, such as Betadine, and seek urgent medical advice about post-exposure treatment.
Food shortages bring flying-foxes into backyards
The increase in encounters is being linked to food shortages affecting flying-foxes along parts of the NSW coast.
Ingrid Emery, Executive Director of Conservation Programs at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, said flying-foxes typically remained in feeding trees during the day rather than returning to their larger colonies when food was scarce.
As a result, residents were increasingly seeing the animals in backyard trees during daylight hours.
Current reports indicate the food shortage extends along the eastern coast from the Clarence Valley in northern NSW to the South Coast.
Ms Emery said the situation was expected to return to normal as natural food supplies improved, depending on seasonal conditions.
What to do if you find a bat
NSW Health and wildlife authorities advise residents not to touch or attempt to rescue bats, including animals that appear injured, trapped or distressed.
People who encounter a bat in need of assistance should contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 or another licensed wildlife rescue service.
More information is available through the NSW Health fact sheet on rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus and the NSW Government directory of licensed wildlife rehabilitation providers.
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