Hendra virus

Analysis and Comment (8)

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The global focus on emerging infectious disease has turned to bats since they were identified as the probable source of SARS. Toby Mann

First Hendra, now bat lyssavirus, so what are zoonotic diseases?

By Linfa Wang, CSIRO and Gary Crameri, CSIRO

The last 30 years have seen a rise in emerging infectious diseases in humans, of which more than 70% are zoonotic. Zoonoses are diseases that normally exist in animals but have the potential to transmit…
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Scientists worked with Hendra virus at the highest level of biosafety within CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory. CSIRO

How we developed the Hendra virus vaccine for horses

By Deborah Middleton, CSIRO

Today we are launching Equivac® HeV, the world’s first commercially available Hendra vaccine for horses. This breakthrough is the culmination of a scientific journey that dates back to the emergence of…
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Viruses passed from animals to humans pose a risk in Asia and Australia. EPA/John Footy

Dealing with the threat of deadly viruses from Asia

By Martyn Jeggo, CSIRO

AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY – A series examining Australia’s role in the rapidly transforming Asian region. Delivered in partnership with the Australian government. Here, Professor Martyn Jeggo looks…
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Bats appear have a much better symbiotic relationship with viruses than other mammal species. CSIRO

2011: Year of the bat-borne virus

By Linfa Wang, CSIRO

In the Chinese zodiac, 2011 is the year of the rabbit but for those of us working on viruses from wildlife animals, it was much more like the year of the bat. In February, the deadly Nipah virus re-emerged…
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People who get to know flying foxes are less likely to loathe them. michis

Conservation shouldn’t be a popularity contest

By Dominique Thiriet, James Cook University

Even Australia’s most iconic, charismatic species are in danger of extinction. Species such as the cassowary, Tasmanian devil and koala all enjoy significant community support and relatively generous funding…
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Fruit bats carry disease, pollen and a warning about the state of the environment. shellac/Flickr

Culling bats isn’t the way to control Hendra virus

By Jon Luly, James Cook University and Lee Skerratt, James Cook University

This year has had the lot. First came the tempest, then the floods. Fires are on their way as the landscape dries out. Now we have pestilence, in the form of Hendra virus. Calls for bat culls have ensued…
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Preventing infection with the Hendra virus remains the most effective measure against the virus. AAP

Hold your horses: Hendra treatment is no panacea

By Dominic Dwyer and Jen Kok

Queensland authorities came under attack yesterday for being unprepared for a Hendra virus outbreak after it was found that they’d only stocked 15 doses of virus antibodies. But the case for stocking…
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The vaccine – which will be given to horses – is currently 18 months away. AAP

Hope for Hendra virus vaccination … but not this year

By Deborah Middleton, CSIRO

As Queensland authorities confirm the third outbreak of Hendra virus within a week, researchers are moving to fast track a horse vaccination for the deadly virus, which can spread from horses to humans…

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Research Briefs (2)

Hendra virus: high mortality rate in humans

Australian Medical Association

The Hendra virus (HeV) infection has a high mortality rate in humans, killing four of the seven people who have ever contracted…

Participants (16)