"On evening of November 1st Victoria’s first Handling and Triage of Bats seminar was undertaken by the Victorian Branch of the AVA (Australian Veterinary Assoc). This was a highly successful event attended by 96 people including 62 vets. Vet students, nurses, and some ff carers also attended. I am sure other seminars will be scheduled.
The AVA recognises that more veterinary help is needed in the care of bat species and that instances of turning away badly injured bats from medical clinics is not appropriate for a medical profession (photographs were shown). Melbourne Zoo vet Sarah Frith provided loads of technical veterinary expertise and advice. Bat carer and handler Louise Bonomi spoke about common causes of injury to bats (e.g. wildlife unsafe backyard fruit tree netting) and ways groups were lobbying for change. Other topics included crèche feeding, how to get vaccinated, heat events etc. Lots of Q&A.
Progress is happening for bats in Victoria, and I expect across the nation, as we all try to deliver native species better outcomes and care in the 21st century than we did in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Special thanks to the Victorian Branch of the Australian Vet Association for its progressive and professional response to the challenges of aiding vets in providing medical care to bats-in-need and to
Tamsyn Hogarth (Fly by Night Bat Clinic) Louise Bonomi (carer) and Sarah Frith (Melb Zoo) for their tireless work. Our warm thanks to all the vets, nurses and students (and carers) who attended."
The Seminar
All Victorian veterinarians can expect to have some exposure to flying foxes or microbats at some point during their career. These species make their home in urban areas and are frequently disturbed or injured as a result of human behaviour.
The main species seen in Victoria is the Grey-headed flying fox, which is listed as threatened in Victoria and vulnerable nationally.
Grey-headed flying foxes are intelligent, social creatures. They play an integral role in the Australian ecosystem as pollinators and seed dispersers.
Unfortunately there are some diseases that can be spread from bats to humans so it is vital that veterinarians and veterinary nurses are familiar with how to protect themselves from bat-borne diseases, while still optimising the welfare of bats within their care.
The main species seen in Victoria is the Grey-headed flying fox, which is listed as threatened in Victoria and vulnerable nationally.
Grey-headed flying foxes are intelligent, social creatures. They play an integral role in the Australian ecosystem as pollinators and seed dispersers.
Unfortunately there are some diseases that can be spread from bats to humans so it is vital that veterinarians and veterinary nurses are familiar with how to protect themselves from bat-borne diseases, while still optimising the welfare of bats within their care.
Topics covered
- Importance of bats
- Life history
- Public perception
- Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)
- Rabies vaccination
- ALBV testing
- Reasons for presentation
- Recovery from anaesthesia
- Hospitalisation and holding
- Human and pet exposure
- Rescue and handling
- Initial examination
- Types of injuries and prognosis
- Therapeutics and supportive care
- Rehabilitation at carer
Learning Outcomes
- Enable clinic staff to register to receive the rabies vaccination for FREE
- Describe the importance of bats in Victorian ecosystems
- Keep staff safe from bat-borne diseases
- Understand what to do if a person or pet is bitten or scratched by a bat
- Have an understanding of bat triage and rehabilitation mats
About the Speaker
Dr Sarah Frith BVSc MVS (Conservation Medicine)
Sarah graduated from Melbourne University as a vet in 2007. After three years in small animal practice she then undertook a Masters of Veterinary Studies in Conservation Medicine. Since 2010 Sarah has been working in zoos including Healesville Sanctuary, Perth Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Sarah is now one of the four veterinarians at Melbourne Zoo.
Sarah graduated from Melbourne University as a vet in 2007. After three years in small animal practice she then undertook a Masters of Veterinary Studies in Conservation Medicine. Since 2010 Sarah has been working in zoos including Healesville Sanctuary, Perth Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Sarah is now one of the four veterinarians at Melbourne Zoo.
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