FAQs

People cannot catch the Hendra Virus from flying-foxes. People can only contract the Hendra Virus from coming into close contact with an infected horse.

Flying-foxes do not have rabies. Only a very small percentage of flying-foxes (less than 1%) are infected with a disease called Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) which is similar, but not the same, as rabies. This virus can only be transmitted to humans by bites, scratches or saliva into an open wound from an infected bat. If you do not pick up or handle flying-foxes, you have nothing to fear. 

Neither you nor your pets can get ABLV (Lyssavirus) from flying-foxes flying overhead, roosting or feeding in your yard or by touching their droppings.

Exposure to bat faeces or urine does not pose a risk of catching ABLV. Bat droppings should be treated like those of any other animal. 

Many people mistakenly believe that the odour from a flying-fox roost is from their droppings. The smell is actually from the male’s scent glands which, just like in koalas and possums, are used to mark their territories. This ‘scent’ is heightened during breeding season and when they are disturbed and pushed onto someone else’s branch or when newcomers arrive in the roost.

Smell also plays an important role in flying-fox communication.

Call Redlands Wildlife Rescue on (07) 3833 4031, they will send out a vaccinated carer to attend to the animal. Never attempt to rescue or handle injured flying-foxes.

 Seek medical assistance immediately.

Bird droppings are actually more corrosive than flying-fox faeces. To remove flying-fox droppings, it is recommended to cover the stain with a wet cloth or newspaper and leave it to soak for about ½ an hour, and then simply wipe it away. Do not leave droppings on the car to ‘bake’ in the sun.