In the lead up to bat birthing season, Australians are being urged not to touch injured flying foxes because of lyssavirus, a disease related to rabies.
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NSW Health issued the warning, saying it’s concerned that during October and November young and miscarried pups may be on the ground, tempting people to rescue them.
This year there have been three people in NSW bitten or scratched by bats or flying foxes that were later confirmed to have had lyssavirus.
Three Australians have died from the illness since it was discovered 18 years ago.
The last was in 2013.
Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Communicable Diseases Branch, said the best protection against being exposed to the illness is to avoid handling any bat.
“Only people who have been fully vaccinated against rabies, use protective equipment and have been trained in bat handling should touch bats,” she said.