If you don't directly handle or touch flying-foxes, the risk of catching a disease is extremely low. This suggests that living near a flying-fox camp does not pose a higher risk of infection from these viruses if there is no physical contact with flying-foxes.
Hendra virus
There is no evidence that people can catch Hendra virus directly from flying-foxes. It is believed that horses catch Hendra virus when they eat food which has been recently contaminated with body fluids from an infected flying-fox, such as urine or saliva.
Hendra virus can then be transmitted from infected horses to humans following close contact with body fluids from infected horses.
There have been a small number of confirmed cases of Hendra virus in humans. There have been no human deaths from Hendra virus in New South Wales.
Visit NSW Health for detailed advice for managing human health risks from Hendra virus.
There are vaccinations against Hendra virus available for horses. It is also recommended not to place feed or water troughs directly below trees used by flying-foxes for roosting or foraging.
Visit NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for detailed advice about managing equine health risks from Hendra virus.
Australian bat lyssavirus
Australian bat lyssavirus is found in the saliva of infected flying-foxes and microbats. The virus can only be spread to other animals and people through a bite or scratch from an infected bat. Australian bat lyssavirus is not spread through bat urine or droppings.
In Australia, as at July 2025, there have been 4 confirmed cases of Australian bat lyssavirus in humans.
Visit NSW Health for detailed advice about managing the health risks of Australian bat lyssavirus.
Flying-fox scratches and bites
If you are bitten or scratched by a flying-fox, wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Apply an antiseptic with antivirus action, such as povidone-iodine (for example, Betadine), and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Flying-fox droppings
Direct handling of flying-fox droppings should be avoided. Like the droppings of other animals, the main health risk is a small chance of gastrointestinal diseases.
Droppings may end up on your roof if you live near a flying-fox camp. These droppings can then be washed into rainwater tanks after rain. Rainwater tank water should not be used for drinking where this has occurred.
Flying-foxes and odour
The odour from flying-fox camps comes from the scent that male flying-foxes use to mark their territory. While this smell may be unpleasant, it does not represent a physical risk to human health.
Flying-foxes and pets
Pets should be kept away from flying-foxes if possible. If a pet becomes sick after contact with a flying-fox, seek advice from a veterinarian.
What to do if you find an injured, sick or orphaned flying-fox
NSW Health advises that the public should avoid direct contact with flying-foxes. There is always the possibility of a scratch or bite leading to infection.
If you find an injured, sick or orphaned flying-fox, contact a licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation provider or use the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) Wildlife Rescue App to find the closest licensed carer to contact.
Flying-foxes should only be handled by appropriately vaccinated and trained individuals, and using the proper protective equipment.
What to do if you find a dead flying-fox
Don't touch or pick up dead flying-foxes with your bare hands.
If you don't directly handle or touch flying-foxes, the risk of catching a disease is extremely low. If you find a dead flying-fox in a public area (for example, on a road or in a park), call your local council.
If you can't get help and must dispose of a dead flying-fox, visit NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for detailed advice on carcass disposal.
After disposing of carcasses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.
If you have any concerns or questions about disposing of dead flying-foxes, contact your local council for advice.
If you see a dead flying-fox with an identification band, you should report this to the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme.
Don't try to read or remove the band yourself. Instead, call your local licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation provider.