Leslie Massey
Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is rabies-free. However, the rabies virus is spreading through the eastern islands of Indonesia, which are very close to Australia's northern borders. The Australian government is taking measures to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus to the Australian ecology. The country has also provided assistance for a vaccine bank that includes dog rabies vaccines that can be gifted to support rabies control and elimination programs in neighbouring countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rabies in Australia | Rabies is not found in Australia |
| Australian bat lyssavirus | Australian bat lyssavirus is found in Australian bats |
| Treatment | There is no effective treatment for rabies once symptoms appear |
| Prevention | Vaccination is the best protection against rabies |
| Surveillance | The Community Animal Health Surveillance Program runs across the north of Australia |
| Import conditions | Australia implemented revised import conditions for dogs and cats due to increased rabies biosecurity risks |
| Global presence | Rabies is endemic in Asia, Africa, North, Central and South America, and parts of Europe |
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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. This means that the rabies virus is not currently found in any land-dwelling animals in Australia. However, it is important to note that Australian bats carry other viruses in the lyssavirus family, including Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is closely related to rabies and can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches.
The Australian government actively works to prevent the introduction of rabies into the country, as the disease has a profound impact on human and animal health and incurs immense response and elimination costs. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) works closely with communities across Australia, particularly in the north, to monitor and prevent the spread of rabies and other exotic diseases. The Community Animal Health Surveillance Program, for example, involves Indigenous rangers reporting on the health status of animals in their communities and receiving regular training from NAQS veterinarians.
Additionally, Australia has implemented revised import conditions for dogs and cats to effectively manage the increased rabies biosecurity risks associated with the importation of these animals. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has also provided assistance in the form of a vaccine bank, which includes dog rabies vaccines that can be gifted to support rabies control and elimination programs in neighbouring countries such as Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste.
While rabies is not present in Australia, it is still prevalent in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, North, Central and South America, and Europe. The disease is transmitted to humans primarily by infected dogs, with children under 15 years old being disproportionately affected. To protect themselves, travellers to rabies-enzootic areas are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals about vaccination at least four weeks before their trip and to avoid close contact with animals, especially stray dogs and cats, while abroad.
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Rabies is fatal and has no cure
Rabies is a fatal illness that affects the brain and central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus, a type of lyssavirus, which is transmitted to humans and animals via the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites or scratches. The disease is present on all continents, except Antarctica, and is endemic in Asia, Africa, North, Central and South America, and parts of Europe.
Once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal, with death occurring within a few days. The initial symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, fatigue, sensory changes, and difficulty swallowing. As the virus progresses, it causes an acute viral encephalomyelitis, leading to coma and death. While extremely rare, rabies can also be transmitted through inhalation of virus-containing aerosols, consumption of raw meat or milk from infected animals, or through organ transplantation.
There is currently no cure for rabies, and once the virus reaches the brain, it is protected by the blood-brain barrier, making it inaccessible to medications. However, rabies is preventable through prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and vaccination. PEP consists of thorough wound washing, administration of a human rabies vaccine, and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulins (RIG). Vaccination of dogs and other pets is also crucial in preventing human exposure and eliminating the disease at its source.
The global cost of rabies is significant, with an estimated 59,000-60,000 deaths from rabies annually and a financial impact of around US$8.6 billion per year. The majority of these deaths occur in Africa and Asia, with children under 15 years old being disproportionately affected. Australia is currently rabies-free, but public health measures are in place to prevent the introduction of the virus, as it would have a profound impact on human and animal health.
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Australian bats carry the Australian bat lyssavirus
Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is rabies-free. However, Australian bats carry the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus that is closely related to the rabies virus. ABLV is a rare but highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system. It is transmitted to humans through direct contact with the saliva or nervous tissues of an infected bat, usually via bites or scratches.
Bats are known to carry a variety of bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to humans, and in Australia, any bat, including flying foxes and fruit bats, may carry ABLV. It is important to note that the behaviour or appearance of a bat is not indicative of whether it carries the virus. While living or playing near bat roosting areas does not pose a risk of contracting ABLV, it is recommended to avoid touching bats as the simplest form of prevention.
Transmission of ABLV can occur if a bat's saliva comes into contact with a person's mucous membranes or broken skin. If bitten or scratched by a bat, it is crucial to quickly clean the wound and seek immediate medical attention. Even individuals who have been vaccinated against rabies are advised to see a doctor if exposed to a bat.
Since 1996, there have only been three recorded human cases of ABLV infection in Australia, all occurring in Queensland. While human cases are extremely rare, bat exposures in Australia pose a potential risk of infectious exposure. ABLV infection is almost always fatal, and there is currently no effective treatment available. Preventive vaccination is recommended for individuals at increased risk of exposure, such as those who handle bats or work near them.
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Public health measures to prevent rabies
Rabies is an infection that affects the brain and central nervous system. It is almost always fatal, and over 60,000 people die from it each year. The disease is caused by a bite or scratch from an infected animal, with dogs responsible for up to 99% of transmission to humans. While rabies is not currently present in Australia, the country is at risk due to the proximity of Indonesia's eastern islands, where rabies is spreading. Therefore, Australia has implemented various public health measures to prevent the introduction of the rabies virus and protect its citizens and animals.
One key measure is the strict quarantine protocols for animals entering Australia. The Torres Strait permit system requires all animals travelling from the Torres Strait to mainland Australia to undergo an inspection by biosecurity officers and be accompanied by a permit declaring their health status. This helps prevent the importation of rabid animals and protects Australia's borders.
The Australian government also supports its close neighbours, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste, in staying free from rabies. This includes assistance with rabies prevention and response strategies, strengthening diagnostic capacity, and developing national rabies management plans. In 2022, Australia funded a regional rabies project in Indonesia, providing 200,000 dog rabies vaccines to control the spread of the disease.
Additionally, the Community Animal Health Surveillance Program, run by Indigenous rangers in northern Australia, plays a vital role in maintaining Australia's freedom from rabies. These rangers report on the health status of animals in their communities and receive regular training from NAQS veterinarians. They are encouraged to report any sick animals, including those displaying clinical signs of rabies, allowing for early detection and response.
Pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis through vaccination is also recommended for certain high-risk groups, such as those who work closely with bats or mammals in rabies-enzootic areas. This includes bat handlers, veterinarians, wildlife officers, and researchers. The Department of Health funds an initial schedule of up to three doses of the rabies vaccine for volunteer Australian wildlife handlers. Booster doses are also recommended for ongoing occupational exposure to lyssaviruses, with specific guidelines provided in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
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The rabies virus is endemic in many countries
Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal. It affects the brain and central nervous system of mammals, and is typically transmitted to humans through bites or scratches, usually via the saliva of infected animals. The disease is present in over 150 countries and territories across the globe, and is endemic in Asia, Africa, North, Central and South America, and parts of Europe.
In countries where rabies is endemic, dog bites and scratches cause up to 99% of human cases, with children under 15 years of age being disproportionately impacted. Globally, dog-mediated rabies kills tens of thousands of people annually, with the majority of these deaths occurring in Africa and Asia. The high number of cases in these regions is attributed to poorly controlled rabies in dogs, as well as limited access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and control programs.
In recent years, several countries have successfully eliminated rabies through public health measures and vaccination programs. For example, the United Kingdom eradicated rabies in the early 20th century through dog licensing, euthanasia of stray dogs, muzzling, and other measures. More recently, large-scale vaccination of cats, dogs, and ferrets has helped combat rabies in developed countries such as Turkey.
Despite its presence in nearby regions, Australia is currently rabies-free. However, Australian bats carry other viruses in the lyssavirus family, including the Australian bat lyssavirus, which is closely related to rabies. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry works to protect Australia from rabies by collaborating with neighbouring countries, strengthening surveillance, and supporting the development of national rabies management plans.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Australia is currently rabies-free.
Rabies is commonly transmitted to humans by infected dogs. However, all mammals are susceptible to the virus.
Yes, Australian bats carry other viruses in the lyssavirus family, including Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is closely related to rabies.
If you are scratched or bitten by a bat in Australia, you should seek immediate medical attention.
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