Rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) are very rare, closely related diseases that can cause very serious illness in humans. 

Rabies is transmitted to humans primarily by infected dogs, however all mammals in rabies enzootic countries are susceptible.  

ABLV is transmitted to humans by infected bats. Transmission occurs through direct contact of mucosa (eyes, nose, mouth) or broken skin with the saliva or tissues of an infected animal, most often through scratches or bites. 

Transmission occurs through direct contact of mucosa or broken skin with the saliva or tissues of an infected animal, most commonly through bites or scratches.

Rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus infection is almost always fatal after symptoms have appeared. There is no effective treatment.

Preventive vaccination is recommended for certain people at increased risk of exposure.

People who have been exposed to a potential source of infection should seek urgent medical care, regardless of the severity of the injury for wound care and assessment for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Australian bat lyssavirus – Information for the general public

Australian bat lyssavirus is a virus that can spread from bats to humans. It is a very rare disease in humans but can cause very serious illness. Australian bat lyssavirus is closely related to the rabies virus.

Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of a bat should: 

  • wash the wound with soap and water immediately and thoroughly for at least 15 minutes 
  • apply an antiseptic with anti-viral action such as povidone-iodine (e.g. Betadine), iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution, chlorhexidine, or rubbing alcohol (containing at least 70% ethanol) after washing 
  • seek medical attention urgently to care for the wound and to assess whether you are at risk of infection. 

Your doctor may recommend treatment to prevent Australian bat lyssavirus. This is known as post-exposure prophylaxis or preventative treatment.  

Australian bat lyssavirus is transmitted through bat saliva. Even without being knowingly bitten or scratched, you may have been exposed to the virus. Some examples include: 

  • Sleeping in an enclosed space (e.g., bedroom or tent) with a bat present  
  • Your mouth, eyes, nose or broken skin comes into contact with bat saliva. 

Living, playing or walking near bat roosting areas does not increase your chance of catching the virus. The virus isn’t passed on through contact with bat faeces (poo), urine (wee) or blood.  

Even if you have previously had a full course of the rabies vaccine, you may need further vaccine doses or treatment. This is why it is important to seek medical attention urgently, even if you are vaccinated. 

Your doctor will assess your need for preventative treatment based on information including the type of exposure, how many doses of vaccine you have had in the past, and how long it has been since you have had the rabies vaccine. 

Your doctor may recommend preventative treatment if you have been exposed to Australian bat lyssavirus. This may include rabies vaccine and human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG).  

The rabies vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that is injected into your muscle. You are likely to need several (up to four) visits for this vaccine to be immune to rabies.  

HRIG is a solution containing antibodies against the rabies virus. It is injected around your wound or into your arm. The antibodies quickly neutralise the Australian bat lyssavirus and prevent it from spreading.  

No, if you need preventative treatment (including rabies vaccine and HRIG) after being exposed to Australian bat lyssavirus, you do not need to pay for the treatment. The Victorian Department of Health covers the cost. However, you may have to cover the cost of a doctor visit if the clinic does not bulk bill.

If a bat is injured or in distress, do not try to rescue it. Contact trained wildlife carers or Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) wildlife officers for assistance. Contact details for local wildlife services are available at DEECA Wildlife Victoria’s injured or orphaned wildlife webpage, through DEECA Wildlife Victoria’s Help for Injured Wildlife toolkit or by calling DEECA’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186. 

  • In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) 

Rabies – Information for the general public

Rabies is a virus that can spread from infected animals to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with saliva to broken skin, the eyes, nose or mouth. It is a very rare disease in humans but can cause very serious illness.  

Rabies virus is found in nearly everyone country but is not found in Australia. It is closely related to Australian bat lyssavirus which is found in bats in Australia.  

All mammals can become infected with rabies, including dogs, monkeys and cats. Dogs are responsible for most instances of rabies being spread to people.

Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of an animal overseas should: 

  • wash the wound with soap and water immediately and thoroughly for at least 15 minutes 
  • apply an antiseptic with anti-viral action such as povidone-iodine (e.g. Betadine), iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution, chlorhexidine, or rubbing alcohol (containing at least 70% ethanol) after washing 
  • seek medical attention urgently to care for the wound and to assess whether you are at risk of infection. 

Your doctor may recommend treatment to prevent rabies. This is known as post-exposure prophylaxis or preventative treatment. 

Ensure you keep a record of any preventative rabies treatment received overseas. This includes the type (brand) of vaccine received, and the dates and times you received the vaccine. When you return to Australia, it is very important that you see a doctor as soon possible at a GP clinic or hospital for reassessment and completion of treatment.

The virus usually spreads from animals to humans by bites or scratches, but people can become infected if their mouth, eyes, nose or broken skin come into contact with the saliva of an infected animal. 

Even if you have previously had a full course of the rabies vaccine, you may need further vaccine doses or treatment. This is why it is important to seek medical attention urgently, even if you are vaccinated.  

Your doctor will assess your need for preventative treatment based on information including the type of exposure, how many doses of vaccine you have had in the past, and how long it has been since you have had the rabies vaccine.  

Your doctor may recommend preventative treatment if you have been exposed to rabies. This may include rabies vaccine and human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG).   

The rabies vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that is injected into your muscle. You are likely to need several (up to four) visits for this vaccine to be immune to rabies. 

HRIG is a solution containing antibodies against the rabies virus. It is injected around your wound or into your arm. The antibodies neutralise the rabies virus and prevent it from spreading.   

If you are exposed to the rabies virus overseas and need preventative treatment, you may have to pay for the treatment overseas. However, if you need further preventative treatment (including rabies vaccine and HRIG) on return to Victoria, you do not need to pay for the treatment. The Victorian Department of Health covers the cost. However, you may have to cover the cost of a doctor visit if the clinic does not bulk bill.  

If you are travelling overseas to countries where animals have rabies, the most important way to protect yourself is to stay away from wild or domestic animals. You should:  

  • Not feed, pat or play with animals 
  • Not allow children to feed, pat or play with animals 
  • Not carry food near monkeys 
  • Avoid all contact with bats, anywhere in the world (including Australia) 

The rabies vaccine is recommended for some people before they travel. Check in with a healthcare professional before you travel to see what travel vaccines you should have. 

  • In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)