NSW Health urges public to keep away from bats after rise in reported injuries
12 Oct 2026
NSW Health has reported a sharp increase in bat-related injuries, with 43 people seeking assessment over two weeks. People are being advised not to touch bats, as they may carry Australian bat lyssavirus.
NSW Health is urging people to stay away from bats after a rise in bites and scratches across the state.
Between 28 September and 10 October, 43 people were assessed after contact with bats. Cases were reported in coastal areas, including Hunter New England, the Mid North Coast, Northern NSW and the Central Coast. This compares with 10 reported cases during the same period in 2025.
Keira Glasgow, Director of Health Protection at NSW Health, said bats are more active during spring and summer, making it important for people to avoid direct contact.
She warned that any bat could carry Australian bat lyssavirus, a virus closely related to rabies that can cause a serious and potentially fatal infection in humans.
People who find an injured or distressed bat should contact a local wildlife rescue service rather than trying to handle it. Only trained, vaccinated and appropriately protected wildlife handlers should approach bats.
Although human infections are rare, there is no effective treatment once symptoms develop. Anyone who suffers a bat bite or scratch should seek medical care immediately.
NSW Health advises people to wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for 15 minutes, apply an antiseptic with antiviral action, such as Betadine, and seek urgent medical advice about post-exposure treatment.
Ingrid Emery, Executive Director of Conservation Programs at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, said food shortages were contributing to increased bat activity in some areas.
During periods of limited food, flying foxes may remain in trees during the day instead of returning to their usual large colonies. This means residents may notice more bats resting in backyard trees.
Reports indicate that food shortages are affecting parts of the eastern coast, from the Clarence Valley in the north to the South Coast.
Authorities expect bat activity to return to usual patterns as natural food supplies improve, depending on seasonal conditions.
NSW Health urges public to keep away from bats after rise in reported injuries
Source: NSW Health and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.