Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is rabies-free, with no cases of rabies in land-dwelling animals. However, Australian bats carry other viruses in the lyssavirus family, including Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is closely related to rabies. ABLV has been found in several bat species, including flying foxes/fruit bats and microbats, and is transmitted to humans through bites or scratches. While rabies is primarily transmitted by infected dogs, all mammals are susceptible, and both rabies and ABLV are almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals that carry rabies in Australia | Australia is free of rabies, as the virus does not occur in land-dwelling Australian animals. Bats carry the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to rabies. |
| How rabies is transmitted | Through bites or scratches from an infected animal, or from contact with saliva or neural tissue to broken skin or mucous membranes. |
| Preventative measures | Avoid close contact with all animals, especially bats. If you find a bat, do not touch it. Contact the RSPCA, Department of Environment and Science, or local wildlife care groups. |
| Post-exposure measures | If bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical attention immediately. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes, then apply iodine or antiviral medicine. |
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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. The rabies virus does not occur in land-dwelling Australian animals. However, Australia has other similar viruses, such as the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is closely related to the rabies virus and can cause serious and usually fatal diseases in humans. ABLV has been found in several bat species, including flying foxes/fruit bats and microbats. Although rare, it is assumed that any bat in Australia, regardless of its health status, could be infectious with ABLV.
ABLV is transmitted to humans by infected bats through bites or scratches, or contact with infected saliva or neural tissue. Bats are the primary reservoir of ABLV, and all four species of Megachiroptera (fruit bats and flying foxes) and at least seven species of Microchiroptera (insectivorous bats) are known to carry the virus. ABLV is thought to be widely distributed across Australia. While rabies is primarily transmitted to humans by infected dogs, all mammals are susceptible to the virus.
In Australia, there have only been two recorded cases of rabies, both of which were contracted overseas. In contrast, there have been three recorded cases of human ABLV infection, all of which occurred in Queensland and were associated with bat bites or scratches. These cases were fatal. Due to the potential risk of ABLV transmission, it is recommended to avoid contact with bats in Australia and to contact trained handlers if a bat is encountered.
While rabies is not a concern for land-dwelling animals in Australia, the country remains vigilant against the introduction of the virus. Rabies is a quarantinable disease, and any cases must be reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, preventive vaccination is recommended for individuals at increased risk of exposure, such as those travelling to areas where rabies is prevalent.
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Bats carry Australian bat lyssavirus
While Australia is free from rabies in land-dwelling animals, the country has reported cases of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to the rabies virus. Bats are the only known carriers of ABLV in Australia, with the virus being found in several species of flying foxes and microbats.
ABLV is a serious and usually fatal disease in humans, causing a rare but severe illness that affects the central nervous system. The early symptoms of ABLV infection are flu-like and can include fever, headache, fatigue, and malaise. These symptoms quickly progress to muscle weakness, sensory changes, confusion, convulsion, and loss of consciousness. ABLV infection is almost always fatal, with death usually occurring within 1 to 2 weeks of the onset of symptoms.
The virus is transmitted from bats to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with saliva to broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is important to note that any bat in Australia, regardless of its health status, could potentially carry and spread the virus. Therefore, people are advised to avoid physical contact with bats and to leave injured or sick bats to trained handlers.
If a person is potentially exposed to ABLV through a bite or scratch from a bat, it is recommended to immediately wash the wound and seek medical care. The current post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocol involves thoroughly cleaning the wound and surrounding tissue, administering the rabies vaccine, and giving rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). Pre-exposure vaccination is also recommended for individuals who have an increased risk of exposure to bats, such as those who work with bats or come into frequent contact with them.
There have only been a small number of recorded human cases of ABLV infection in Australia, all of which occurred in Queensland and resulted in fatalities. The most recent case was in 2012, when an eight-year-old child was scratched by a bat and subsequently died from the infection.
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Symptoms of rabies
While Australia is free from rabies in land-dwelling animals, Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to rabies, has been found in some bat species. There have been three recorded cases of human ABLV infection in Australia, all of which were fatal.
Rabies is a rare but severe infection that is usually caught from the bite or scratch of an infected animal. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but early treatment can prevent it. Symptoms usually take 3 to 12 weeks to appear, but they can appear after a few days or not for several months or years. The first symptoms, known as prodrome, may resemble the flu, including weakness, discomfort, fever, or headache. There may also be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the bite site. These symptoms may last for several days. Typically, severe disease appears within two weeks of the first symptoms, causing brain dysfunction. Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, rabies can cause dysphagia, hydrophobia, paresis, and autonomic instability. Encephalitis, a type of brain inflammation, is also a symptom of rabies.
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Preventing rabies
Australia is free of rabies in land-dwelling animals. However, Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a virus closely related to rabies and has been found in several bat species, including flying foxes/fruit bats and microbats. Although the risk of encountering a rabid animal in Australia is low, it is still important to be aware of rabies prevention methods.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans through the bite of an infected animal or, rarely, by contamination of open wounds, fresh abrasions, or mucous membranes. All warm-blooded animals can be affected by the rabies virus, but it is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. It is important to note that dogs and cats can also contract rabies if they are not vaccinated.
To prevent rabies, it is crucial to avoid contact with wild animals, especially when travelling outside of developed countries. If you encounter a wild animal, do not approach or attempt to handle it, as this increases the risk of exposure to rabies. Keep pets and children away from the animal, and contact a trained handler or local wildlife rescue organisation for assistance.
If you are travelling to an area where rabies is prevalent, consider getting vaccinated before your trip. Pre-exposure vaccination can provide protection against rabies and is recommended for those who may be at higher risk of exposure, such as veterinarians or individuals working with wildlife. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if vaccination is advised and to receive the necessary doses before your travel.
In the event of a potential exposure to rabies, seek medical help immediately. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, or if you suspect any contact with a rabid animal, consult a healthcare provider right away. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in preventing rabies if administered promptly after exposure. PEP consists of a series of rabies vaccines and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). Appropriate wound management, in addition to prompt medical care, is crucial to preventing rabies infection.
To protect your pets from rabies, it is essential to keep their vaccinations up to date. Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies as required by law. By ensuring your pets are vaccinated, you not only protect them from contracting rabies but also reduce the risk of transmission to humans.
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What to do if bitten
While Australia is free from classical rabies in land-dwelling animals, Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to rabies, has been found in a number of bat species. It is important to note that any bat in Australia, regardless of its health status, could be infectious with ABLV.
If you are bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps:
Seek immediate medical attention:
Get to a hospital or clinic as soon as possible, even if you are unsure whether the animal was rabid. The rabies virus is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, so prompt medical attention is crucial.
Wash the wound:
Gently and thoroughly clean the wound with soap and generous amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. This may help wash away the virus and reduce the risk of infection.
Capture and contain the animal, if possible:
If the animal that bit you can be safely captured or contained, do so without causing further injury. Do not kill the animal, especially not with a blow or shot to the head, as this may damage the brain and hinder laboratory tests. Contact your local animal control or wildlife rescue organisation for assistance if needed.
Provide information to medical professionals:
Inform your doctor about the circumstances of the bite, including any details about the animal and the location of the wound. Be sure to mention if there were any scratches or mucous membrane exposure, such as contact with the eyes, mouth, or open wounds.
Commence post-exposure treatment:
If there is a risk of rabies exposure, your doctor will likely recommend a series of vaccinations and/or antibody treatments to prevent the virus from infecting your body. This is known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which aims to prevent the virus from entering the central nervous system.
Monitor for symptoms:
Rabies has an incubation period of typically 2–3 months but can vary from one week to one year. Initial symptoms may include fever, pain, and unusual sensations at the wound site. As the virus progresses, it causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe neurological deficits.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is free of rabies, as the virus does not occur in land-dwelling Australian animals. However, Australian bats carry other viruses in the lyssavirus family, including Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which is closely related to rabies.
Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a virus that can be transmitted from bats to humans, causing serious and usually fatal illness. All four species of Megachiroptera (fruit bats and flying foxes) and at least seven species of Microchiroptera (insectivorous bats) are known to carry the virus.
ABLV is transmitted to humans by infected bats through bites or scratches. Transmission occurs through direct contact with mucous membranes or broken skin with the saliva or neural tissues of an infected bat.
Do not touch the bat. Remove pets and children from the area and place a box or washing basket over a bat that is on the ground to prevent contact with others while awaiting a trained and vaccinated handler. Contact the RSPCA (1300 ANIMAL), Department of Environment and Science (1300 130 372), or local wildlife care groups for assistance.
