DRY weather across the south-east is causing bats to fall from the sky, prompting warnings from health authorities that residents should steer clear of the creatures.
Queensland Health has already seen a 30 percent increase in notifications of people who have been bitten or scratched by bats - potentially exposing them to Australian bat lyssavirus - compared to last year.
Biosecurity Queensland principal veterinarian Janine Barrett said that due to the dry conditions bats in south-east Queensland, bats were starving and the likelihood of contact with pets and people was unusually high.
"This spring (and) summer I anticipate we will see a high number of people and pets being potentially exposed to ABLV," she said.
"Both starvation and heat-stress in bats make contact with a distressed bat more likely.
"However, if you see a bat dead or alive on the ground, don't touch it. Only rabies vaccinated people who are experienced in handling bats and using appropriate personal protective equipment should rescue or examine a bat."
Nigel Lott of Oxley in Brisbane's south-west was scratched on the face by a bat while riding his bicycle home.
"I actually had a head-on collision with a bat while riding home. It clocked me on the side of the head," he said.
"The next morning I rang 13HEALTH and they advised me to go to QEII Hospital. I had immunoglobulin for ABLV at the site of the wound and the rest in my arm.
"I also had four vaccinations. They said the risk of ABLV was low but strongly recommended that I have the course of injections."
Mr Lott said he thought the flashing headlight on his helmet had disorientated the bat.
Dr Barrett said residents who noticed a sick or injured bat should contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL or a local volunteer wildlife care organisation for help to safely collect the animal.
"Contact your local veterinarian if you suspect that your pet might have been bitten or scratched by a bat," she said.
Heidi Carroll, medical director of the Queensland Health communicable diseases branch, there were approximately 300 reported cases of potential exposure to ABLV in Queensland each year. Most were due to untrained people handling bats.
"The message don't touch bats isn't new advice, but it's important advice that people should take seriously," Dr Carroll said.
"When people try to move a bat that appears to be dead or injured, that's when they are most likely to be scratched or bitten.
"Scratches, bites and bat saliva into the eyes, nose or mouth are very serious and require immediate medical assessment to prevent the potential development of ABLV infection."
She said there was no evidence to suggest the virus could be spread from bat and flying fox droppings or urine to humans.
If you are bitten or scratched by a bat or exposed to bat saliva:
- Immediately wash the wound gently with soap and water for at least 5 minutes.
- If available, apply an antiseptic such as Betadine after washing.
- If bat saliva has got into your eyes, nose or mouth, flush the area thoroughly with water.
- Immediately contact a doctor to arrange vaccination.
- Contact the RSPCA hotline on 1300 ANIMAL or a wildlife carer to collect the bat for testing, if it is available.
