New bat disease explains deadly viruses
Initial studies have discovered the newly found Cedar virus does not cause illness in several animal species normally susceptible to Hendra and Nipah. This tantalising difference may help scientists understand how to better manage and control the deadly diseases. Image: 945ontwerp/iStockphoto Australian scientists have discovered a new virus in bats that could help shed light on how Hendra and Nipah viruses cause disease and death in animals and humans.The new virus - named 'Cedar' after the Queensland location where it was discovered - is a close relative of the deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses.However, CSIRO's initial studies have discovered one surprising key difference - the Cedar virus does not cause illness in several animal species normally susceptible to Hendra and Nipah.The new discovery had significant potential implications for protecting animals and humans from the Hendra and Nipah viruses.This tantalising difference may help scientists understand how to better manage and control its deadly...