CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization—Australia’s largest scientific research organization) Animal Health scientists have discovered more about the mysterious Hendra disease that killed two humans and fifteen horses in Queensland in two outbreaks in 1994-5.

Scientist Dr Mark Williamson says research at the CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong has shown that while the Hendra virus is not highly contagious, it is often deadly if an infection occurs.

Formerly known as the equine morbillivirus, the Hendra virus has been shown to infect humans, horses, cats and guinea pigs. Fruit bats (also called flying foxes) are thought to be the natural ‘host’ of the virus.

The research findings are published in the Australian Veterinary Journal today (December 14)