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What To Do If You Find a Sick or Injured Bat (And How to Protect Your Pets)
When the weather is hot and humid, it’s natural to see an increase in distressed bats falling from trees or the sky. While it’s natural to want to help, Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) makes handling bats extremely risky. In this blog we’ll show you what to do if you encounter a bat or suspect your pet has had contact with one.
What you’ll learn from this blog:
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If You Find A Sick, Injured or Distressed Bat
- Do NOT touch the bat. Bats in Australia can carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) regardless of their appearance, age, or health. Handling them without proper training and vaccination puts you at risk.
- Contact RSPCA at 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or a local wildlife rescue group. Trained and vaccinated specialists will safely care for the bat.
- To locate a nearby bat rescue service, search online for “bat care” in your area.
While it’s tempting to bring a bat to your local vet clinic, we cannot accept bats at our clinic for safety and biosecurity reasons. Wildlife specialists are the best people to handle these situations. Our protocols are inline with the Queensland Health advice, which you can read about here.
If You Have Been Bitten, Scratched, or Exposed to Bat Saliva
Exposure includes:
- Being bitten, scratched, or nibbled by a bat.
- Bat saliva contacting your eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin.
If this occurs:
- Wash the wound gently but thoroughly for at least 15 minutes with soap and water. Avoid scrubbing.
- Apply an antiseptic containing povidone-iodine or alcohol (ethanol).
- Flush eyes, nose, or mouth thoroughly with water if exposed.
- Seek immediate medical attention by phoning your doctor. Your doctor will assess your risk and consult the nearest Public Health Unit for rabies vaccinations or tetanus boosters if required.
For further advice, contact 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or your local doctor.
What to Do If Your Pet Has Been Bitten or Scratched by a Bat
If you suspect your pet has been bitten or scratched by a bat:
- Contact our clinic immediately. We can assess and treat wounds and help determine the next steps. While Australian Bat Lyssavirus is rare, it’s crucial to act quickly.
- Avoid handling the bat to protect yourself. Wildlife professionals can manage the bat safely.
Why Is This Important?
Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) is a serious and often fatal rabies-like virus that can affect both humans and animals. While rare, the consequences of exposure can be devastating if left untreated.
Even if a bat appears healthy, it can still carry ABLV, making direct contact extremely dangerous. Bites, scratches, or even saliva exposure to broken skin or mucous membranes can transmit the virus.
For pets, a bite or scratch from a bat not only puts their health at risk but can also lead to exposure for their owners. Early intervention, including wound care and rabies vaccinations where necessary, is critical to ensuring safety for your pet and your family.
By taking swift action—avoiding contact with bats and seeking veterinary or medical attention—you significantly reduce the risk of infection and ensure the best possible outcome for all involved.
Additionally, professional wildlife rescuers are trained to safely care for bats in distress. Leaving bat handling to the experts protects both the bats and people involved, enabling their safe rehabilitation.
How to Help While Staying Safe
- Leave bats to the professionals. Only trained and vaccinated carers should handle or transport bats.
- Protect your pets by keeping them away from injured or grounded bats.
If you need advice about your pet’s health or potential bat exposure, contact our team immediately. For fallen or distressed bats, call the RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL) or your local wildlife rescue organization.
Your safety and your pets’ health are our priority. By following these steps, you’re doing the best for everyone involved.
How We Will Help Your Pet
If your pet has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to a bat, here’s how we will care for them at our clinic:
Immediate Wound Assessment
- Our team will carefully examine your pet for any signs of injury, including bites, scratches, or other wounds that may not be immediately visible.
Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection
- We will clean and flush the wound with antiseptic to minimize the risk of infection. Proper wound care is the first step in ensuring your pet’s health and safety.
Vaccination and Risk Management
- If your pet is vaccinated against rabies, we’ll assess their current protection level. In some cases, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be recommended, which involves a series of rabies vaccine boosters.
- If your pet’s rabies vaccination is not up to date, we will advise on the necessary steps to protect them.
Consultation with Biosecurity Authorities
- We’ll contact local veterinary or biosecurity authorities for guidance, ensuring that all steps are taken to address potential exposure to ABLV.
Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up
- After the initial treatment, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your pet’s recovery, ensuring the wound heals properly and your pet remains healthy.
Our priority is your pet’s health and your peace of mind. By addressing bat-related injuries promptly and thoroughly, we aim to keep your family and pets safe. Please contact us if you have any questions or immediately in the event your pet has contact with a bat.
