Rabies and Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) – What Patients Should Know

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It spreads through the saliva or nerve tissue of infected animals, usually through a bite or scratch that breaks the skin, or when saliva gets into the eyes, nose or mouth.

While Australia does not have classical rabies in terrestrial animals, bats in Australia can carry Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which causes a disease almost identical to rabies.

Both rabies and ABLV are almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but they are preventable with prompt medical care.

How Rabies and ABLV Are Spread

  • Overseas: Most rabies cases occur after dog or monkey bites in Asia, Africa, Central and South America.

  • In Australia: The risk is from bats. Even a small scratch or unnoticed bite can transmit ABLV.

If you have contact with bats, or are travelling to an area where rabies is common, you should discuss vaccination with your GP.

Who Should Consider Vaccination?

The rabies vaccine is recommended for:

  • People who work with bats (such as wildlife carers)

  • Laboratory workers exposed to live virus

  • Travellers to countries where rabies is common (depending on risk assessment)

For most travellers, the key advice is to avoid touching or feeding animals overseas and stay away from bats everywhere.

What To Do After a Possible Exposure

If you are bitten, scratched or come into contact with a bat (in Australia or overseas):

  1. Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.

  2. Apply antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol solution.

  3. Seek urgent medical care.

You may need:

  • Rabies vaccine (a course of injections)

  • Human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) for severe wounds

Post-exposure treatment should start as soon as possible, even if there is a delay in reporting the incident.

Why It Matters

Rabies and ABLV are preventable but not curable once symptoms begin. For this reason, any possible exposure must be taken seriously.

At Bentleigh Doctors, we provide:

  • Pre-travel advice and vaccinations for patients going overseas

  • Urgent care and referral for suspected exposures to rabies or ABLV

  • Guidance on wound care and immunisation

Key Points to Remember

  • Rabies is rare in Australia but common overseas.

  • Bats in Australia can carry ABLV.

  • Vaccination is available for high-risk groups and some travellers.

  • Immediate wound care and medical attention can save lives.

If you think you may have been exposed, contact Bentleigh Doctors straight away for advice.

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