Veterinary surgeon's guide to Australian bat lyssavirus.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health Virology

Background:

• Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) emerged in 1996, causing a rabies-like illness.
• Two human fatalities from ABLV encephalitis have been reported in Queensland.
• All Australian bats are potential carriers of ABLV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform veterinary surgeons in Australia about ABLV.
• To highlight the risks of ABLV to the veterinary profession and public health.
• To recommend preventive measures against ABLV.

Main Methods:

• Surveillance data on ABLV prevalence in bats.
• Review of ABLV disease in humans and animals.
• Analysis of rabies vaccine efficacy.

Main Results:

• ABLV is endemic in the Australian bat population.
• Protective apparel is essential when handling bats.
• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for at-risk groups.

Conclusions:

• Veterinary surgeons are at risk of ABLV exposure.
• Pre-exposure vaccination with inactivated rabies vaccine (Pasteur Mérieux) is advised.
• Post-exposure treatment includes rabies immunoglobulin and vaccination.