THOUSANDS of dead bats fell to the ground over the weekend on the Far North Coast, following a heatwave which saw temperatures rise above 40 degrees C on Saturday.
Council workers and wildlife carers are now flat out cleaning up the mess, but veterinary experts say there is no increased risk of Hendra virus.
However, anyone not vaccinated for rabies should not under any circumstances handle sick, dead or alive bats due to the risk they carry lyssavirus, authorities have warned.
More than 2000 flying foxes at a colony at Casino have died following 42-degree temperatures yesterday, and residents in other regions of the Northern Rivers are also reporting numbers of dead bats.
Richmond Valley Council officers were this morning collecting dead bats from along the riverbank and streets of Casino and wildlife rescue volunteers are on site attempting to deal with the young flying foxes left orphaned.
NSW Department of Primary Industries senior veterinary officer Paul Freeman told The Land today that while it was possible stressed flying foxes shedded greater amounts of virus, generally viruses do not like hot, dry weather and would last a shorter time under such conditions.
“The fact flying foxes are dying of heat exhaustion is not likely to lead to greater risk of contamination to food and water supplies of horses,” he said.
There have been no Hendra cases in NSW since August.
Richmond Valley Council general manager John Walker said it was likely council crews would continue the collection of dead bats over the coming week, a process which may extend into private property.
He said there were still large numbers dead in trees, but out of the reach of council crews.
“Whatever anyone's opinion is either side of the bat debate, no-one wishes this sort of tragedy on the bats,” Mr Walker said.
“It just goes to show the extent and intensity of the heatwave we had over the weekend. Bats don't know how to deal with the heat.”
Residents have been advised to stay clear of dead bats.
Mr Walker said parents and teachers needed to be especially vigilant to ensure children remained safe.
“Young children could be attracted to the bats on the ground and there could be serious health risks if they pick them up,” he said.