SA bat thief could catch disease

An unknown thief who stole a juvenile grey-headed flying fox from an Adelaide backyard aviary has been warned about getting bitten or scratched.

Police say the flying fox was taken from the rear yard of a Salisbury house on Monday.

The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) says the animals are a threatened species and suffer if they are not given a specific diet and housing.

DEWNR animal welfare manager Deb Kelly said some flying foxes carry diseases, including Australian bat lyssavirus and the Hendra virus.

"There is a health risk if a person is bitten or scratched, so it is important that people do not handle flying foxes unless they have been vaccinated," she said.

"Anyone bitten or scratched, should wash the site immediately and seek immediate medical attention."