Rabies and Lyssaviruses: The Hidden Risk Australians Need to Know About

Most Australians think of rabies as a problem that only exists overseas. After all, we don’t have rabies in dogs or other land animals here. But the truth is more complicated — and more important to understand if you’re travelling, working with wildlife, or even just living in Australia.

---

Rabies: A Deadly Disease

Rabies is one of the oldest known diseases, and it has a frightening reputation. Spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually by a bite or scratch, rabies attacks the brain and nervous system. Once symptoms appear — such as confusion, fear of water (hydrophobia), agitation, paralysis and seizures — the disease is almost always fatal.

Worldwide, rabies kills tens of thousands of people every year, mostly from dog bites in Asia and Africa.

---

Australia’s Own Rabies Risk: Bats and ABLV

Australia is officially rabies-free in dogs and other terrestrial animals. But bats here can carry a closely related virus: Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV).

• ABLV has been found in all four species of flying foxes (fruit bats) and several species of microbats.

• Even a tiny scratch or unnoticed bite can pass on the virus.

• The disease caused by ABLV is indistinguishable from rabies — and just as deadly.

That’s why health authorities advise Australians to never handle bats unless they are trained and vaccinated.

---

Who Should Worry About Rabies and ABLV?

Rabies vaccine is not part of the routine schedule in Australia, but it is recommended for:

• Travellers going to countries where rabies is common

• Bat handlers and wildlife carers in Australia

• Laboratory staff working with rabies or lyssaviruses

Even if you don’t fall into one of these groups, the advice is simple:

• Overseas? Don’t pat the dogs, cats or monkeys.

• At home? Stay away from bats.

---

What To Do If You’re Exposed

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

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

2. Apply an antiseptic solution such as iodine.

3. Seek urgent medical care — don’t wait to see if symptoms develop.

You may need:

• Rabies vaccine (a series of injections)

• Human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) if the exposure is severe

Timing is critical. Post-exposure treatment must begin as soon as possible.

---

The Takeaway

• Rabies kills almost 100% of people once symptoms begin — but it is 100% preventable with the right care.

• Travellers should consider rabies vaccination depending on destination and activities.

• Australians should remember that ABLV is real, and the best protection is simply not touching bats.

• After any possible exposure, urgent wound care and medical attention are lifesaving.

---

Final Word

Rabies may feel like a faraway problem, but ABLV brings it close to home. Understanding the risks, avoiding animal bites, and acting quickly if exposed are the keys to staying safe.

If you’re planning travel to a rabies-affected country — or if you work with animals here in Australia — talk to your GP about whether rabies vaccination is right for you.

---

References

• Australian Immunisation Handbook – Rabies and Other Lyssaviruses

• World Health Organization – Rabies Fact Sheet

---

Would you like me to also create a shorter “social teaser” version (for Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google Business) that links back to this article, so you can drive traffic from social channels?