Health officials in north Queensland have issued a warning after numerous incidents involving bites and scratches from flying foxes. Authorities report an increase in encounters with these bats and are advising the public to maintain a safe distance. Since January, 17 individuals in the Townsville health district and 20 in the Mackay region have had contact with bats. The Townsville Public Health Unit has noted a gradual rise in these incidents over recent years. However, there has been no recent spike in cases of the potentially fatal Australian bat lyssavirus (ABVL).

Acting director Dr. Kate Murton emphasized the risks associated with flying foxes, stating, "ABLV is one of the most lethal viruses we know of — it can cause paralysis, delirium, convulsions and ultimately death." She urged anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat to seek emergency medical treatment immediately. "We have to treat every bat exposure as if they have the virus," she added. Since 1996, four fatalities from ABVL have been reported in Australia, with the most recent death occurring in New South Wales this year.

Dr. Murton explained that the current bat breeding season has led to more instances of bats becoming entangled in fences or barbed wire. "People are attempting to help the distressed animal, which is when they get bitten or scratched," she said. She noted that recent cases have shown flying foxes can bite through gloves and scratch through clothing.

To prevent health risks, Dr. Murton advised, "If you have been bitten or scratched, then immediately and thoroughly wash the wounds with soap and water, use antiseptic solution, and go directly to the emergency department for post-exposure treatment."

In north Queensland, three species of bats are prevalent: the little red, spectacled, and black flying foxes. James Cook University adjunct associate professor Noel Preece explained that the little red flying foxes are unpredictable but tend to follow the flowering of eucalypts and melaleuca trees. He noted that these bats can travel in large numbers across the country to find food sources.

In Charters Towers, black flying foxes are considered resident species. In recent years, tens of thousands have roosted at Lissner Park in the town's center. A previous effort to relocate a colony to a site near the sewage treatment plant was successful using dispersal techniques. However, Mayor Liz Schmidt mentioned that the council is now facing challenges with migratory red flying foxes that also roost at Lissner Park.

"They come in, they land in the trees and they roost, then they have babies and we can't touch them," she said. The community has been informed through consultations that the influx of migratory bats is expected.

Mayor Schmidt also highlighted the difficulties with dispersal methods, which included pyrotechnics and smoke. "It's an impost on our community; some people are vulnerable, some people with PTSD," she said. She reiterated the importance of avoiding contact with flying foxes, stating, "Leave them alone, don't touch them, don't let them scratch you and you won't be impacted negatively, health-wise."