What is lyssavirus (ABLV)?

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a virus that can spread from bats to humans, causing serious illness. ABLV is closely related to the rabies virus, which is another type of lyssavirus.

Animals in Australia do not have rabies. Overseas, rabies occurs in dogs, cats, monkeys and foxes. ABLV does occur in Australian bats. ABLV can be transmitted from bats to humans via a bite or scratch from an infected bat.

ABLV is very rare; only 3 cases of human deaths from with ABLV have been recorded since the virus was first identified in 1996. However, ABLV is fatal if it is not treated. Any bat in Australia, including flying foxes and fruit bats, is assumed to potentially carry ABLV.

What are the symptoms of ABLV?

At first, symptoms of ABLV infection are similar to those of the flu. They include headache, fever and fatigue.

The illness then rapidly progresses to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death within 1 to 2 weeks.

Symptoms may start at any time from only a few days to after several years after contact with the virus.

How is ABLV treated?

ABLV can be prevented by rapid and thorough cleaning of the wound and by vaccination. Even if you have had the rabies vaccine, if you are bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia, you should immediately:

• wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
• apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) after washing
• seek medical attention as soon as possible to care for the wound and to assess whether you are at risk of infection. If you have been bitten on the head or neck, you will need to be vaccinated within 48 hours

There is no available treatment for ABLV once symptoms have started.

Can ABLV be prevented?

ABLV is spread from infected bats to people through bites or scratches, or if their saliva comes into contact with a person's eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

The best way to avoid ABLV is to not touch bats. If you come across an injured bat, contact the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) organisation on 1300 094 737. WIRES has staff who are trained in how to handle bats safely.

Living, playing or walking near bat roosting areas does not pose a risk of contracting ABLV if you do not touch the bats. Similarly, contact or exposure to bat faeces (poo), urine or blood does not pose a risk. However, contact with any bat fluids should generally be avoided.

You may need to be vaccinated if your work involves contact with certain animals, or if you are travelling to areas where you are at risk of catching ABLV. Because the viruses are from the same ‘family’, the vaccination is the same as the one given for rabies. Talk to your doctor before beginning work with animals or travelling to ensure that you receive the right advice about vaccinations.

ABLV vaccine

Vaccination is your best protection against ABLV. This table explains how the vaccine is given, who should get it, and whether it is on the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Some diseases can be prevented with different vaccines, so talk to your doctor about which one is appropriate for you.

Resources and support

For more information, visit the Department of Health’s page on lyssaviruses.

If you need to know more about ABLV or need advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).