THE Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) says grey-headed flying-foxes, like those setting up camp in Tamworth’s King George V Ave are in search of food and shelter because of the loss of their natural habitat.
Their presence in the trees, and our city, is likely to be in response to local food availability.
The grey-headed flying-fox is listed as a vulnerable species, not only in NSW but across Australia.
A spokeswoman for the OEH said the flying-foxes posed no health risks to humans unless someone was bitten or scratched.
The chances of catching lyssavirus and Hendra virus, two diseases associated with flying-foxes, is extremely low.
“Provided basic hygiene measures are taken there is no reason for the public to be concerned,” she said.
“Lyssavirus is extremely rare and preventable; it is only transmitted by flying-fox saliva coming into contact with an open wound or mucus membrane such as the eyes, nose or mouth.”
