Flying fox flyout - part of our environment
Photo © WPSQ

Unfortunately it appears that funding is being cut to a group currently doing most field work on the Hendra virus. Because of the low human incidence rate health authorities are likely to regard Hendra virus as a relatively low risk and significant funding for research is unlikely.

It is Wildlife Queensland’s understanding that to date most funding has been spent on laboratory work by CSIRO in classifying and describing the virus. While such work is essential so are field studies. Field studies to sample all possible hosts and methods of transmission have not been the focus.

Flying-foxes are being painted the villains. Some in the fruit growing industry are now jumping on the bandwagon with the support of their local politicians to use the Hendra virus to rally support for shooting flying foxes to protect their crops. The calls for culls and disturbance of their roost sites are escalating. This is being fuelled by sensationalized reporting.

What we do know is that despite extensive testing relevant authorities failed to show any mechanism for transfer of the Hendra virus from flying foxes to horses. Every type of excretory product (urine, faeces, oral saliva, placentae) from infected flying-foxes and even virus itself were tested on horses without a successful transfer occurring. Successful transfer occurred on guinea pigs and a cat.

Nearly all recent cases of Hendra virus have occurred in horses being fed supplementary feed on stored food and kept in yards with little or minimum natural feed.

The clinical manifestation of Hendra virus in horses appears to be changing from the original symptoms of blood stained mucous discharged from the nose. Whatever is happening it is known that Hendra virus is a serious occupational risk for people attending sick horses.

It is time the media reports the knowledge of Hendra virus properly. Uncritical reporting only paints the flying foxes as the villains where in reality they are the victims of over clearing of their habitat and some extremely poor urban planning decisions. Support the strong stand Hon Kate Jones is currently taking resisting calls for culls. Let her know you appreciate her efforts. Email Minister Kate Jones with your support.

Previous News:

• Find the true cause of Hendra virus, says Wildlife Queensland - August 2009

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