Published on Thursday, 12 March 2026 at 2:47:20 PM
The Wheatbelt Public Health Unit are alerting the community to a developing issue involving human and bat interactions. In 2026, there has been an increasing number of human/bat interactions reported to the Wheatbelt Public Health Unit in towns across the Wheatbelt including Lancelin.
Bats pose a human health risk for severe illness from viruses such as Australian Bat Lyssavirus. If you see a bat, do not try to capture it or interact with it and avoid contact with sick bats in particular. If you are bitten, scratched or licked by any bat, immediately seek medical advice from a doctor. If you see a sick, injured, or dead bat report it immediately to DPIRD on 1300 374 731.
Further information is also available from DPIRD here: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity/monitoring-and-reporting/reportable-animal-diseases/australian-bat-lyssavirus-ablv/
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