Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is rabies-free. This is due to the public health measures in place to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus to the Australian ecology. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) works to keep Australia free from rabies and other exotic diseases. They have implemented revised import conditions for dogs and cats, as the rabies risk has increased due to the volume of imports and the commercialisation of the trade. Australia also supports its close neighbours, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, to stay rabies-free through assistance with rabies prevention and response strategies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rabies status | Australia is currently rabies-free |
| Australian bat lyssavirus status | Australian bats carry the Australian bat lyssavirus, which is closely related to rabies |
| Public health measures | Public health measures are in place to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus to the Australian ecology |
| Surveillance | The Community Animal Health Surveillance Program runs across the north of Australia as part of the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program |
| Import conditions | Strict import conditions for dogs and cats from Group 3 countries, including rabies vaccination requirements and a 180-day waiting period to ensure animals are not infected with rabies |
| Treatment | Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available and should be started immediately, even if the diagnosis is not confirmed |
| Prevention | Vaccination is the best protection against rabies, and Australia supports rabies control and elimination programs in neighbouring countries |
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What You'll Learn
Australia is rabies-free
Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is rabies-free. Public health measures are in place to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus to the Australian ecology. If rabies became established in Australia, the toll on human and animal health would be significant, and the cost of response and elimination would be immense.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) works to keep Australia free from rabies and other exotic diseases. This involves working overseas, at the border, and with communities across Australia. DAFF has placed greater emphasis on rabies preparedness and surveillance in recent years due to the spread of the rabies virus through the eastern islands of Indonesia, which are close to Australia's northern borders.
To protect Australia from rabies, strict import conditions are in place for cats and dogs. These conditions include continuous residence in an approved country for at least 180 days before export and valid rabies vaccination status. The rabies virus can remain undetected in animals for up to 180 days, so this waiting period is crucial for managing the risk of importation.
The Community Animal Health Surveillance Program, run by Indigenous rangers in northern Australia, also plays a vital role in rabies surveillance. The rangers report on the health status of animals in their communities and receive regular training from NAQS veterinarians.
Australia supports its close neighbours, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, in staying free from rabies through assistance with prevention, strengthening diagnostic capacity, and developing national rabies management plans. Additionally, Australia funded a regional rabies project in 2022 to help the Indonesian Government control dog-transmitted rabies, providing 400,000 dog rabies vaccine doses.
While Australia is rabies-free, Australian bats carry the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to rabies. ABLV can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected bats, so it is important to avoid contact with bats and seek medical attention if exposed.
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Public health measures
Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is rabies-free. However, public health measures are in place to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus to the Australian ecology. These measures include:
Surveillance and monitoring
The Australian government has implemented several surveillance and monitoring programs to detect and prevent the spread of rabies. The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) is used to monitor rabies cases, and the Community Animal Health Surveillance Program operates in the north of Australia as part of the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program. Indigenous rangers report on the health status of animals in their communities, and any unusual cases are investigated by field vets and community liaison officers.
Quarantine and import restrictions
Australia has strict quarantine and import restrictions for animals, such as cats and dogs, entering the country. These restrictions include requirements for rabies vaccination and testing, such as the rabies neutralising antibody test (RNATT), to ensure that imported animals are not infected with rabies. The waiting period for importing animals to Australia is 180 days, which is the maximum incubation period for rabies.
Vaccination programs
Australia supports rabies vaccination programs in neighbouring countries, such as Papua New Guinea (PNG), Timor-Leste, and Indonesia, to help control and eliminate the disease in the region. Australia has also contributed to a vaccine bank through the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to support rabies control efforts.
Community engagement and education
The Australian government engages with Indigenous communities in northern Australia through the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) to raise awareness about rabies and other exotic diseases. The government also provides information and guidance to the public on rabies symptoms, treatment, and prevention, including recommendations for travellers visiting rabies-enzootic areas.
Diagnostic testing and research
Australia has designated reference laboratories, such as the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), for testing and researching rabies and other lyssaviruses. These laboratories play a crucial role in detecting and understanding these viruses, supporting surveillance and control efforts.
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Rabies in Australian bats
Australia is currently rabies-free, and public health measures are in place to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus to the Australian ecology. However, Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a virus carried by several species of Australian bats, including flying foxes and fruit bats. ABLV is closely related to the rabies virus and can be fatal if not treated. It is spread from infected bats to people through bites or scratches, and the behaviour or appearance of a bat is not a good indicator of whether it is carrying the virus. While human cases of ABLV are extremely rare, with only three cases reported in Queensland, bat exposures in Australia pose a potential risk of infectious exposure.
ABLV was first identified in 1996 and has been found in both flying foxes or fruit bats (macrobats) and insect-eating microbat species. All bat species in Australia are assumed to have the potential to carry the virus, and ABLV is more likely to be found in injured or sick bats. However, even bats that appear healthy may carry the virus, so it is recommended to treat all bats as if they could be carrying ABLV. Bats and flying foxes may carry bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to humans, but the risk of infection is low.
The initial symptoms of ABLV infection are similar to those of the flu, including fever, headache, fatigue, malaise, paraesthesia (sensory changes), and difficulty swallowing. The disease then progresses to an acute viral encephalomyelitis, which affects the central nervous system and can cause seizures, paralysis, and movement abnormalities. Both rabies and ABLV infections are almost always fatal.
To prevent ABLV infection, it is crucial to avoid touching or handling bats unless necessary and to always use personal protective equipment (PPE) when doing so. People who have been vaccinated against rabies and are trained in handling bats can safely handle them while wearing appropriate PPE, including gloves, face masks, and eye protection. If a person is bitten or scratched by a bat, it is essential to quickly clean the wound and seek medical attention, even if vaccinated against rabies.
Public health measures are in place to monitor and manage the risk of ABLV in Australia. ABLV is a notifiable disease in Victoria, and cases must be reported to the Department of Health. The Community Animal Health Surveillance Program, part of the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program, also plays a vital role in monitoring the health status of animals in communities across northern Australia, including reporting any sick animals displaying clinical signs of rabies or ABLV.
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Importing animals to Australia
Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is rabies-free. The Australian government closely monitors the disease through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) and has implemented public health measures to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus to the country.
Importing animals, especially dogs and cats, to Australia is a complex process due to the strict biosecurity measures in place. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has implemented revised import conditions for dogs and cats, which include requirements such as import permits, veterinary treatments, and quarantine periods.
When importing pets to Australia, it is important to note that there are ''non-approved' countries from which direct importation is not allowed. If you are importing a pet from one of these countries, it must first spend time in an approved country to receive the necessary veterinary treatments before it can enter Australia. The minimum quarantine period for pets entering Australia is 10 days, and this applies to most countries. However, pets from New Zealand, the Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island are exempt from this requirement.
Additionally, all dogs and cats entering Australia must have an import permit issued by DAFF. The transport cost for importing pets depends on factors such as the breed, size, and location of the pet. Pets will typically travel on passenger flights as manifested cargo, with exceptions made for certified service dogs or military dogs.
It is important to be aware of fraudulent or illegal activity associated with importing animals to Australia, such as fraudulent certification. If you suspect any illegal activity, it should be reported immediately to the relevant authorities.
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Treatment for rabies
Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is rabies-free. However, the disease is prevalent in other parts of the world, and it is important to know what to do if you are bitten by a potentially infected animal while travelling in these areas.
If you are bitten by an animal that is known to have rabies, you will need to get a series of shots to prevent the rabies virus from infecting you. This includes a fast-acting shot of rabies immune globulin, which should be given near the area of the bite as soon as possible. This is given to those who haven't had the rabies vaccine. If the animal that bit you cannot be found, it may be safest to assume it has rabies and get the shots anyway.
If the animal that bit you can be captured, it can be observed for 10 days to see if it shows signs of rabies. If it remains healthy, then it doesn't have rabies and you won't need the shots. If it is a wild animal, such as a bat, it can be killed and tested for rabies.
Wound washing is also an important step in rabies prevention. Wounds should be washed gently and thoroughly with soap and water, which may help wash away the virus. Antibiotics can be used to prevent infection, but they have no effect on the rabies virus.
If you think you may have been exposed to rabies, you must seek medical attention. There is no effective treatment once a rabies infection is established, and the disease is usually fatal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia is currently rabies-free. However, public health measures are in place to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus to the Australian ecology.
Rabies is almost always fatal, and there is no treatment once symptoms appear. Australia is not a rabies-enzootic country, but bats anywhere in the world are a potential source of lyssaviruses and a potential risk for acquiring rabies.
Animals in Australia do not have rabies. However, Australian bats carry the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is closely related to rabies.
Avoid contact with bats in Australia and assume that any bat could potentially carry the virus. If you are scratched or bitten by any animal that may have rabies, seek medical attention immediately, even if you have been vaccinated.
To import a dog or cat to Australia, you must meet strict conditions relating to rabies, including continuous residence in an approved country for at least 180 days before export and valid rabies vaccination status.
