Deadly rabies-like virus is found in a Queensland BAT - as reports of bites and scratches from flying foxes skyrocket in the state

A flying fox has tested positive to a rabies-like bat virus that can kill humans if they are bitten or scratched. 

The juvenile little red flying fox was found in suburban Cairns in north Queensland and euthanised by a wildlife carer, who sent its body to Brisbane for testing.

Scientists from Biosecurity Queensland tested the bat's corpse and found it was positive for the deadly Australian bat lyssavirus, known as ABLV, last Friday. 

A little red flying fox in Kakadu National Park, NT. A juvenile little red flying fox was found in suburban Cairns in far north Queensland and euthanised by a wildlife carer

A coloured transmission electron micrograph of Australian bat lyssavirus . The finger-like projections are the virus, and it is shown budding off from a cell

A Biosecurity Queensland spokesman confirmed the positive test on Tuesday.    

'In Queensland during 2020, there have been three confirmed cases of ABLV whilst, in 2019, there was only one confirmed case of ABLV,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 

'Since 1996, there have been three human cases of disease due to ABLV. All were fatal.' 

ABLV was first identified in a five-month-old juvenile black flying fox collected near Ballina in northern New South Wales in January 1995. 

Humans can catch ABLV if they are bitten or scratched by infected bats.     

'In humans, ABLV causes an invariably fatal encephalitis which is an infection and inflammation of the brain,' the spokesman said. 

'Clinical signs include paralysis, seizures and tremors.' 

A flying fox hangs upside down in Brisbane. There have been three cases of ABLV in Australian bats this year, which can be deadly if passed on to humans

Less than one per cent of bats are infected with ABLV - a disease that is endemic to Australia, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. 

The Biosecurity Queensland spokesman warned people to 'always avoid handling live bats' to prevent infection. 

'Only rabies vaccinated people who are experienced in handling bats and using appropriate personal protective equipment should rescue or examine a bat,' he said.

'If you, or another person may have been bitten or scratched, immediately wash the wound and urgently seek medical advice. 

'Vaccination may be necessary to prevent onset of disease.' 

Pets, such as cats and dogs, can also catch ABLV if they are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, in which case owners should take them to a veterinarian.        

A cluster of black and brown flying foxes in Cairns. ABLV was first identified in a five-month-old juvenile black flying fox collected near Ballina in northern New South Wales in January 1995

So far this year, 38 people have reported being bitten and scratched by bats to the  Cairns and Hinterland Health Service.  

Public health medical officer Annie Preston-Thomas said there has been a spike in bite and scratch reports in recent weeks due to increased bat activity during the current breeding season.  

'Around this time of year, it really picks up. Our public health nurses have been saying every day there's been a new call,' Dr Preston-Thomas told ABC News.  

Cairns vet Annabelle Olsson said although ABLV poses a risk to humans, bats only have a small window to pass the disease on before they die.  

'Bats don't carry lyssavirus — if they become infected, they die,' Ms Olsson told the public broadcaster.  

'From the time they first would become infectious to somebody until the time they die is as little as 24 to 48 hours.' 

A group of little red flying foxes in Kakadu. Cairns vet Annabelle Olsson said although ABLV poses a risk to humans, bats only have a small window to pass the disease on before they die