It's not only the human residents of Gilgandra that are attracted to the swimming pool over summer - Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) reports that flying foxes have also taken a liking to the area.

"Council wishes to advise that a population of flying foxes have returned to the Gilgandra Swimming Pool, taking up residency in the popular location amongst trees within the pool grounds," GSC advised.

The grey-headed flying-fox is listed as a threatened species and is protected by law because numbers have rapidly declined over a relatively short period of time. Unlike other pollinators like bees and birds, flying-foxes can transport pollen over vast distances and are also able to disperse larger seeds. This makes them vital to the health and regeneration of our native forests.

However, Gilgandra Shire is taking no chances with regard to potential health risks.

"Council has been forced to take action to restrict access by patrons by way of cordoning off this area." GSC said. "These flying foxes can present some risks to public health. Whilst human infections with these viruses are uncommon, it is a risk Council still needs to manage and it is very important that these flying foxes and their droppings are not handled."

Environment NSW advises that human infections with viruses borne by flying-foxes are very rare. There is no risk of infection if you do not make physical contact with a flying-fox. There are no reports of people contracting diseases from living close to flying-fox camps.

The biggest concern is Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus similar to rabies that can be transmitted from bats to humans. The virus can be fatal for humans, so only people vaccinated for the virus should handle flying-foxes and mircobats.

In Australia only three cases of infection have been recorded since the virus was identified in 1996 and all cases were in Queensland.

Only one section of the busy Gilgandra swimming pool precinct is considered at risk. There is no immediate risk to swimmers. IMAGE: Gilgandra Shire Council

Gilgandra Shire Council has placed a temporary fence around the affected area in the Gilgandra Swimming Pool premises, excluding patrons from this area.

"Pool patrons are reminded to follow the appropriate instructions and to abide by the changed conditions within the pool ground. The foxes provide no immediate risk to swimmers using the pool," they said.

Flying-foxes are increasingly setting up camps in urban areas. The main threat to flying-foxes is clearing or modification of native vegetation. This removes appropriate roosting habitat and limits availability of natural food supplies.

With their close proximity to human dwellings, some residents can have concerns about the impacts of flying-foxes on their day-to-day lives.

Although few animals are thought to carry the disease (less than one per cent of flying-foxes and bats), it is mandatory that anyone working with these animals is vaccinated as a safety precaution and this is a requirement of the NSW Health Service.

Sydney Wildlife Rescue estimates indicate the grey headed flying fox population is only five per cent of what it was prior to European settlement and, if recent declines continue, the species could be “effectively extinct” by the middle of this century.

Hot weather is not the small animal's friend either with extreme heat events potentially causing heat stress in flying-fox camps, in some cases leading to mass mortalities.

Should you find an injured flying fox, the advice is not to handle it. To access 24/7 rescue advice and assistance for sick, injured and orphaned flying foxes or any other native animals call WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Gilgandra pool users can be assured there is no threat to cooling off in the water.

"Swimming pools affected by bat faeces can be appropriately managed by maintaining effective pool disinfection which is occurring at the Gilgandra Pool," GSC said.

For any questions or concerns, contact Gilgandra Shire Council on 6817 8800 or by emailing [email protected].