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This article was published in the March 2024 edition of Vetboard Victoria's newsletter. Content was current at the time of publication but there may have been changes since then, as rules, standards and professional and community expectations change over time. Readers are also referred to our Guidelines for appropriate standards of veterinary practice and veterinary facilities.

Treating bats in Victoria

The Board expects veterinary practitioners to provide pain relief to an animal presented to them where the animal would be in unreasonable pain or suffering if it did not receive pain relief, and should euthanise an animal that is distressed, diseased or disabled to such an extent that its condition cannot be satisfactorily relieved by veterinary care (Board Guideline 18.1 – End of life services and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations sections 9(1)(c) and 24D(b)).

This expectation extends to wildlife presented to an open veterinary business during normal hours.

However, the situation is different when a bat is presented to a clinic, because those who have close contact with bats and other animals are at increased risk of contracting Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV).

ABLV has been found in flying foxes, fruit bats (macrobats) and insect-eating microbat species and is widely distributed across Australia. This rare but serious zoonotic illness affects the central nervous system and is highly fatal. Symptoms of ABLV may occur within days or up to several years after exposure (but usually within 2 to 3 months).

Only appropriately vaccinated and trained people should handle bats. Vets who handle bats or other potentially infected animals or materials should have a current rabies vaccination. Classical rabies virus is closely related to ABLV, and the rabies vaccine is believed to provide cross-protection. Blood testing every 3 years is also recommended, to check if a booster rabies vaccine is required. Rabies vaccines are currently not government-subsidised for vets unless they are also volunteer Australian wildlife handlers.

As well as being vaccinated, vets must be appropriately trained to respond to incidents:
  • When handling bats (even if they appear healthy) or other potentially infected animals, they must use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and practise good hygiene principles when wearing and after removing PPE.
  • Vets and veterinary staff who are bitten, scratched or come into contact with saliva from a bat or an animal believed to be infected with ABLV must immediately take these actions:
    1. Contact your local medical practitioner or the Department Health and Human Services Communicable Disease Unit on 1300 651 160, regardless of the severity of the wound or having any previous rabies vaccination – they will advise on the need for and supply of post-exposure prophylaxis.
    2. Immediately wash the affected area with soap and water for a minimum period of 5 minutes.
    3. Apply a virucidal antiseptic such as iodine-based solutions or alcohol (ethanol).
    4. Thoroughly flush any exposed mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth with water.
    5. Do not suture the wound unless unavoidable.
    6. Report suspected or confirmed cases of Rabies/ABLV in animals (a Notifiable Disease) to Agriculture Victoria on the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888 (24/7) or to your local Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare staff. Agriculture Victoria can advise on how to apply for animal vaccines if required.

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