Hendra: Ongoing Investigations

THE CSIRO have confirmed that this morning samples from the Hendra case in Scone have arrived at their Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong for confirmation testing, following initial tests at the NSW State Veterinary laboratory at Menangle which confirmed the presence of Hendra.

Cassandra Erbs, from the CSIRO said part of the investigation into the Hendra case in Scone will be determining the primary reservoir host.

“There is evidence that the black flying fox and the spectacled flying fox are the primary reservoir hosts of the Hendra virus, however in the past there has been evidence of antibodies of the virus have been found in all species,” said Ms Erbs.

Local wildlife carers have advised the species of flying fox in the Scone area are typically the small red flying foxes and some grey headed flying foxes, with the black flying foxes not being recorded this far up the Valley for the last 16 years.

• NSW Health has information on Flying Foxes and Health
• The NSW DPI has information for Horse Health and Hendra

Related stories:

• Hendra Case Sees Spike in Class Action Applicants – June 19, 2019
• Hendra: Authorities Say Business as Usual in Scone – June 14, 2019.
• First Hendra Case in Scone – June 13, 2019.