Flying foxes, often misunderstood creatures, are large bats that play a significant role in ecosystems as pollinators and seed dispersers. They are not actual foxes, despite their name, but rather a type of megabat. These nocturnal animals are generally shy and pose little threat to humans when observed from a distance. However, their potential dangers, especially concerning disease transmission and direct physical harm, are often questioned.
Disease Transmission
Flying foxes are natural carriers of certain viruses, most notably Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) and Hendra virus. ABLV, a virus closely related to rabies, can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with saliva on mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth, or broken skin. While human ABLV infection is extremely rare, with only four recorded cases in Australia since its identification in 1996, it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Initial symptoms resemble the flu, including headache, fever, and fatigue, progressing rapidly to severe neurological issues such as paralysis, delirium, seizures, and ultimately death within one to two weeks.
Hendra virus is another serious concern, although human cases are also very rare and typically occur after exposure to infected horses. Flying foxes are the natural reservoir for Hendra virus, shedding it in their urine, feces, and saliva, though they do not show signs of illness themselves. Horses can contract the virus by consuming contaminated feed or water, and then transmit it to humans through close contact with their bodily fluids. Symptoms in humans can include flu-like illness, respiratory problems, or neurological signs, and the disease can be fatal. There is no evidence of direct transmission from flying foxes to humans, human-to-human transmission, or airborne transmission of Hendra virus.
Direct Physical Risks
Direct physical contact with flying foxes can result in bites and scratches, which, while not always leading to disease, can still cause injury. These incidents typically occur when a bat is injured, trapped, or feels threatened, prompting it to defend itself. Remember that all bats, regardless of their apparent health, should be considered potentially infectious.
If a bite or scratch from a flying fox occurs, immediate first aid is essential. The wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Following washing, an antiseptic with antiviral properties, such as povidone-iodine or ethanol, should be applied. It is also crucial to seek urgent medical attention regardless of the wound’s severity or any previous vaccinations, as post-exposure treatment may be necessary to prevent potential ABLV infection.
Safe Coexistence
Minimizing potential risks from flying foxes primarily involves avoiding direct contact. It is important to never touch or handle flying foxes, whether they appear healthy, sick, injured, or deceased. Only trained and vaccinated wildlife rescuers should handle these animals. If an injured or orphaned flying fox is found, contact a local wildlife rescue organization like WIRES or the RSPCA for assistance.
To reduce interactions around homes, consider planting preferred food trees away from living areas or netting fruit trees. If netting fruit trees, use wildlife-friendly netting with a mesh size of 5mm x 5mm or smaller, stretched tautly over a frame, to prevent entanglement of bats and other wildlife. Thin nylon or monofilament netting should be avoided, as it poses a significant entanglement risk. Keeping pets indoors when flying foxes are actively foraging nearby can prevent encounters, and ensuring pet food and water bowls are covered can prevent contamination.