SA Health has warned South Australians not to handle dead bats because they can carry potentially fatal diseases, after at least 65 were found dead during the recent hot weather.
Dr Chris Lease, Director Health Protection SA Health, said bats could carry a range of diseases that could be very serious in humans.
He said the 65 bats likely died as a result of heat stress.
"Bats are known to carry diseases such as the Hendra virus, Menangle virus and Australian Bat Lyssa virus (ABL), which can be transmitted to humans if they are bitten or scratched by an infected bat," he said.
"These diseases can cause serious illness, including paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and can also be fatal.
"That is why it is important to treat all bats as if they were potentially infectious and not attempt to handle them, whether they are alive or dead... http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/sa-health-issues-warning-not-to-touch-dead-bats-that-died-in-hot-weather/story-fndo2izk-1226551278961
SA Health has warned South Australians not to handle dead bats because they can carry potentially fatal diseases, after at least 65 were found dead during the recent hot weather.
