Hendra virus found in bat in South Australia

The deadly Hendra virus has been detected inward a fruit bat inward South Commonwealth of Australia for the kickoff time.

The virus, which is capable of infecting horses as well as tin as well as hence hold out passed on to humans, was detected inward a tissue sample taken from native fruit bats, called flight foxes, that died inward North Adelaide parklands during extreme temperatures before this month.

The displace of the deaths of nigh 100 flight foxes was investigated as well as tests showed ane sample was positive for the virus.

Although even hence to hold out confirmed, estrus stress was the most probable displace of the bats’ deaths.

The state’s primary veterinary officer, Dr Rob Rahaley, said people should hold out alert simply non alarmed yesteryear the regain of the virus inward local flight foxes.

Hendra virus tin hold out transmitted to horses simply or hence uncomplicated precautions tin hold out taken yesteryear Equus caballus owners to minimise the risk, he said.

“While this is the kickoff fourth dimension Hendra virus has been establish inward bats inward South Australia, it was expected, equally our flight push clit a fast ane on population most probable originated from Victoria as well as New South Wales, where evidence of Hendra virus infection inward flight foxes was demonstrated or hence fourth dimension ago,” Dr Rahaley said.

“It has e'er been assumed local flight foxes would cause got a similar condition to animals inward those states.

“However, nosotros believe local factors such equally vegetation as well as climate hateful the conduct chances to South Australian horses is much lower than it is inward Queensland as well as northern New South Wales. It is of import to banker's complaint that, to date, Hendra virus has never been detected inward a Equus caballus inward South Australia, Victoria or southern New South Wales.

“But the regain serves equally a reminder to all South Australian Equus caballus owners to accept steps to minimise the potential for contact betwixt flight foxes as well as horses.

“Horse owners should at nowadays contact their vet if their Equus caballus is unwell. Biosecurity SA volition function alongside veterinarians if needed to dominion out Hendra virus. Likewise, if owners cause got whatsoever concerns or questions nigh the virus, they should hash out these alongside their vet.”

There cause got been 7 reported cases of Hendra inward humans, 4 of which proved fatal. All were contracted through unopen contact alongside bodily fluids from infected horses.

Rahaley said owners should preclude their horses existence nigh fruiting as well as flowering trees that flight foxes may frequent as well as too encompass feed bins as well as H2O troughs.

Further details as well as other preventative actions tin hold out establish here.

The full general world is warned non to impact flight foxes or other bats nether whatsoever circumstances. If a sick or injured beast is found, contact Fauna Rescue’s 24-hour service on 8289 0896.

In the unlikely effect somebody is bitten or scratched yesteryear a flying-fox, or whatsoever other Australian bat species, they should at nowadays launder the wound thoroughly alongside warm soapy H2O as well as essay medical advice.

 

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