Vet Vaccination Grants
WIRES Lyssavirus Veterinary Vaccination Program
The WIRES Lyssavirus Veterinary Vaccination Program supports veterinary clinics across Australia to safely treat and care for bats by reimbursing eligible staff the cost of the initial three round course of the Lyssavirus vaccination. Recently relaunched, the program seeks to address a critical gap in wildlife care capacity, particularly for flying-fox species such as the Grey-headed Flying-fox, which are especially vulnerable to heat stress and facing increasing threats, with mass mortality events becoming more frequent during extreme summer conditions.
Vaccinated veterinary staff are crucial for the support of bat treatment and heat stress. As such, a network of supportive veterinary clinics with vaccinated staff are an indispensable resource for wildlife carers.
Wildlife rescuers and carers rely heavily on the generosity of veterinary clinics and wildlife hospitals to triage and treat sick and injured bats. This program aims to support veterinarians and veterinary nurses in providing this critical care to bats.
Many bat species are threatened or endangered, making timely intervention essential. However, the high cost of the required lyssavirus vaccinations presents a significant barrier to participation.
By reimbursing eligible applicants for these vaccinations up to a specified threshold, this program will help expand the network of qualified professionals able to treat impacted bats and remove a key barrier to providing bat care.
This will strengthen Australia’s wildlife care network and improve outcomes for threatened bat species through faster, safer access to treatment.
Please note: The program covers the initial course of Lyssavirus vaccinations only and does not include booster vaccinations or titre testing.
How to apply
Veterinary clinics across Australia can apply to participate in the program.
To ensure the program supports active wildlife response networks, eligible applications must include a letter of endorsement from a wildlife group or carer the clinic works with.
Please review the full Terms and Conditions
Learn more about Australian Bat Lyssavirus
