A MASS die-off of bats and flying foxes across NSW has prompted health warnings for anyone in the Hunter Region coming into contact with the animals.
NSW Health said people should avoid contact with bats and flying foxes as they might carry serious diseases.
"Most people scratched or bitten by a bat have been trying to rescue them," NSW Health's manager of enteric and zoonotic diseases Keira Glasgow said.
"It is essential that people do not touch bats to avoid being infected.
She said while human infection with bat lyssavirus was rare, it could be catastrophic.
"If not prevented, lyssavirus progresses to a rabies-like illness which is almost always fatal," she said.
While the cause of the bat die-offs is unclear, large numbers of bat deaths usually occur following heat waves, or when they are unable to find sufficient food, NSW Health said.
There was concern the deaths are likely to continue throughout summer.
Australian bat lyssavirus is transmitted to humans when infected flying fox saliva comes into contact with human tissue through an open wound or mucus membrane, NSW Health said.
There have been just three cases of Australian bat lyssavirus in humans, all in Queensland, in 1996, 1998 and 2013, and in each case the infected person died.
"If you see a bat in distress, injured or on the ground, do not try to rescue it," Ms Glasgow said. "You may put yourself at risk, and also cause more harm to the bat. Instead, contact the experts at your local licensed wildlife care organisation or local veterinarian.
"If someone is bitten or scratched by any type of bat they should thoroughly clean the wound for at least five minutes with soap and water immediately, apply an antiseptic such as Betadine and seek urgent medical advice."
Contact details for local wildlife care groups can be found at environment.nsw.gov.au/wildlife-rehab, and through an app called "IFAW Wildlife Rescue".
If your pet has interacted with a bat, seek prompt assistance from your local veterinary practitioner.
For your Local Public Health Unit, phone 1300 066 055.
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