Many people ignore public warnings not to touch bats, particularly when sick or injured, when the health risk is highest.
The nocturnal creatures are notorious for harbouring infectious viruses, including the potentially deadly Lyssavirus.
A survey across NSW found that handling bats was common, even though there have been three deaths from bat-transmitted Lyssavirus in recent months.
Researcher Professor Alison Jones reminds everybody to leave bat handling to the experts to avoid infection.
Read more at University of Wollongong