CDNA publications

Australian bat lyssavirus guidelines

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) was first identified in 1996. The three documents available here provide information relevant to the needs of medical practitioners, veterinarians, and the general public.

Prepared by Communicable Diseases Network Australia
Published by Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing

Synopsis

Australian Bat Lyssavirus information documents

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL) was first identified in 1996, and has been found in several species of flying foxes and bats in Australia. Two human deaths have been reported due to this virus. Both of these individuals had a history of contact with flying foxes or microbats, and it is now known that strains of virus from both types of bats cause disease in humans. This new lyssavirus is closely related to, but is distinct from, the classic rabies virus. In laboratory animals, rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin protect against ABL.

Although there has been significant work done on understanding ABL and its effects, we have much more to learn about this recently discovered organism. Nevertheless, research on ABL and on rabies and other related viruses has enabled communicable disease specialists to develop guidelines on managing actual and possible exposures to this disease.

The three documents available here were developed by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia with input from a range of people with expertise in this area. They provide information relevant to the needs of medical practitioners, veterinarians, and the general public. CDNA has attempted to obtain material that is accurate and up to date, but the limited amount of experience with ABL means that these documents may need to be revised as more information becomes available.

Guidelines for Medical Practitioners (PDF file 142Kb)

Guidelines for Veterinarians (PDF file 156Kb) (also contains information on Hendra and Menangle virus)

Guidelines for members of the public (PDF file112Kb)

If you are unable to download this file please Email: cdi.editor@health.gov.au