Do Bats Spread Hendra Virus To Humans?
What is HENDRA Virus?
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW : HUMANS DO NOT GET HENDRA VIRUS DIRECTLY FROM FLYING-FOXES
First identified in 1994, this previously unknown virus has been classified as a new genus within the Paramyxoviridae family. It is more commonly known as Hendra, the name of the Brisbane suburb in which the first outbreak occurred.
To date only seven people, all in Queensland, have contracted Hendra virus in the past 27 years.
All 7 victims contracted Hendra directly from infected horses.
There is NO evidence of flying-fox to human, or human-to-human transmission.
There is also no known treatment except for supportive medical care. Four of the victims died following an influenza-like illness which progressed to pneumonia or encephalitis (brain inflammation).
How is it spread?
Flying-foxes are known to have antibodies to Hendra virus.
Yet the virus itself has NOT been isolated from any wild flying-fox in Australia.
Despite extensive research into flying-foxes and other mammals, the route of transmission to horses is still unknown. The only proven route of spread is the extremely rare transmission from horses to humans.
The virus itself and every type of body fluid (including urine, saliva and faeces) from deliberately infected flying-foxes has been tested on horses.
But scientific research has been unable to successfully transfer the virus.
Experiments did however transfer the virus to guinea pigs and a cat.
The findings so far suggest that flying-foxes are a natural host of Hendra virus, but spillover of the virus to horses seems to be a rare event.
It is believed that the loss of habitat and natural food sources has increased the stress on the flying-fox population. This in turn can trigger the manifestation of the virus.
Previously horses infected with Hendra presented with a blood-stained mucous nasal discharge. But in later cases, symptoms similar to neurological disorders and snake bite were reported.
Exposure to any body fluids and possibly inhaling airborne mucus from sick and infected horses may transfer the virus to humans.
What can you do?
The true cause of the Hendra virus and its route of transmission to horses still has to be fully established. Until then, those who own or work with horses should take steps to reduce any risk factors. This is to protect yourself and your animals.
Sensible precautions include avoiding contamination if the first place. Ensure feed and water dishes are placed away from trees where bats are known to gather.
Maintain good hygiene and remain vigilant for any symptoms that suddenly appear in a previously healthy horse.
For further information about Hendra virus, go to the website: Queensland Government of Environment and Science (updated 18 Sept. 2020).