Bat Rabies

By Kay Hisano | Dated August 24, 2025

The heartbreaking story of Craig Nolte highlights the deadly risks bats can pose to pets and families

We know how inquisitive our furry friends can be. A bat fluttering low across the backyard or resting in a tree can quickly catch the attention of an excited dog or curious cat. But what many pet owners don’t realise is that these encounters can carry deadly consequences—not just for pets, but for people too.

Earlier in July, Craig Nolte, a 55-year-old man from Ballina in northern New South Wales, tragically died after contracting Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)—a virus closely related to rabies. Craig was bitten by a bat on his balcony in November 2024 while trying to free it. He did the right thing: he sought medical treatment and received post-exposure prophylaxis, including rabies immunoglobulin and a full course of vaccines.

Despite this, he developed neurological symptoms months later and sadly passed away in early July. His death is now the first recorded human ABLV fatality in NSW, and only the fourth in Australia since the virus was first identified in 1996.

This devastating event has shaken the medical and veterinary communities, serving as a reminder that bat-related illnesses are rare but almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

While Craig’s story made headlines because it involved a human, dogs and cats can also contract ABLV if they are bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of an infected bat. Worse still, if your pet becomes infected, they could expose your household to the virus as well.

Even if your pet seems fine after a bat encounter, the virus can incubate for weeks or even months before symptoms appear. By then, it’s too late.

What to Do If Your Pet Encounters a Bat

If you ever see or suspect your pet has had contact with a bat:

1. Do NOT touch the bat

Even dead or injured bats can transmit the virus. Avoid handling them directly. Contact a licensed wildlife rescuer for removal.

2. Call your veterinarian immediately

ABLV exposure is a veterinary emergency. We’ll assess the situation, perform a physical exam, and may consult public health authorities if needed.

3. Check your pet’s vaccination status

While rabies vaccines are not routinely given to pets in Australia, in some high-risk cases, we may recommend vaccination. We’ll also discuss post-exposure options if warranted.

4. Seek medical advice for yourself and others

If anyone in your home may have touched the bat (or even your pet afterward), contact your GP or emergency services immediately for assessment and potential treatment.

How to Protect Your Pets (and Your Family)

• Keep pets indoors, especially at night when bats are more active.

• Supervise dogs when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.

• Avoid feeding wildlife or leaving food out that might attract bats.

• Educate children never to touch a bat or bring one home, even if it seems injured or sick.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s exposure, please don’t hesitate to call us.