But in reality they've been no threat to human life in Australia... that is, up till now.

Although regarded as pests by orchardists, bats are not only endeared to many as pets they also have a useful role as pollinators of many native trees.

Over the years we've become used to bats...  even in the city. But in 1996 a bat from Ballina in New South Wales was found to carry a virus similar to rabies.

Then a Queensland woman, who had recently become a bat handler, died, and it was discovered she had contracted the Australian bat lyssavirus.

Immediately, within the high security of the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, scientists began developing and assessing tests to detect the Australian bat lyssavirus in humans and animals.

"Back in the laboratory, we will be testing bats and other species to see the effect of the virus on those species, particularly whether those species are capable of transferring it and are therefore a danger to others, particularly humans."