From September 2016, there were reports of increased numbers of sick and orphaned flying-foxes, as well as adult mortalities, at camps distributed along the eastern seaboard of Australia. Primarily, there was evidence of abandonment and starvation in flying-fox pups. There were also reports of unusual behaviour in adult flying-foxes such as day roosting and flying and foraging in unusual areas. Although total numbers are not known, reports indicate many hundreds of animals affected.
Carer groups worked very hard to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned, sick and injured flying-foxes.
A group was convened to monitor and explore the event, including representatives from the state government agriculture and environment agencies in affected jurisdictions, Wildlife Health Australia, the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health and the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment. Possible causes were considered, such as an acute food shortage and/or disease, but unfortunately no common underlying cause of the events could be found.
A report on the event is available here (V2 - updated November 2017).
If you have further information on this type of event, please contact the WHA Coordinator in your state or territory.
Members of the public should not handle flying-foxes due to the risk of exposure to diseases such as Australian bat lyssavirus. If you find a sick, injured or abandoned flying-fox, contact a licensed wildlife care organisation or local veterinarian.