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Wednesday 24 March 2010



Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) and WIRES are reminding people to not handle bats to avoid possible injury and exposure to lyssavirus.

Several people have required immediate medical treatment after receiving bites and scratches recently when trying to free trapped bats.

Director of Public Health Tracey Oakman advised people should avoid all contact with bats as a precaution.

"Lyssavirus is similar to the rabies virus and is associated with bat bites. Infection can result in a serious illness and if not treated may be fatal," Ms Oakman said.

If you are bitten or scratched by any kind of bat, early treatment is essential.

You should immediately:

*       Thoroughly clean the wound for at least five minutes with soap and water
*       Apply antiseptic solution
*       Seek urgent medical advice

Anne Trebilco from Far South East Branch WIRES said the number of bats trapped in fruit tree netting could be reduced with appropriate netting.

"Thin, dark-coloured 'Anti-bird Netting' is difficult for animals to see and can cut through the skin of birds and bats," Ms Trebilco said.

"A better option is medium sun block (50%) shade cloth placed over a tree and secured with clothes pegs.

"Another way to safely protect trees is to cover a rectangular frame of PVC pipe with white, knitted netting. It is important to stretch the softer netting tightly so animals do not become entangled," she added.

For more back yard fruit tree protection visit www.wwf.org.au/publications/nonetloss

When a bat is injured or in distress do not attempt to rescue it. Instead phone the experts at WIRES on 1300 WIRES (1300 094 737).