Australian Bat Lyssavirus

ABL is a rare but serious virus found in bats across Australia. It affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if untreated.

You can be exposed through bites or scratches, and contact with bat saliva or neural tissue to broken skin, eyes, nose or mouth.

Exposure to bat blood, urine or faeces is not known to transmit the virus.

Who’s at risk

You may be at higher risk if you:

  • handle or research bats
  • work in labs with live lyssavirus
  • are a vet or support staff
  • do fieldwork that may involve bat contact
  • travel to rabies-enzootic regions

If you’re in a high-risk group, you’ll need to:

  1. Complete a risk assessment.
  2. Request a lyssavirus immunisation by completing the universal immunisation form (pdf) and emailing it to BPD-OHNC@monash.edu. The Australian Department of Health strongly recommends that laboratory workers exposed to the virus get immunised.
  3. Speak with your local Safety Officer or Biosafety Officer, the Health, Safety & Wellbeing team or your GP for more information and advice.

Post-exposure steps

If you’ve been bitten or scratched by a bat, exposed to bat saliva or exposed to live lyssavirus through needlestick or by other fluid entering your eyes, nose or mouth you must:

  1. Wash the area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Apply an antiseptic like iodine or alcohol.
  3. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

A medical professional might also advise you to receive multiple vaccine doses and immunoglobulin.

Procedures and resources