AU: Microbat confirmed as deadly lyssavirus carrier

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.warwickdailynews.com.au/news/microbats-blamed-for-viral-infection-in-horses/1878590/

Microbat confirmed as deadly lyssavirus carrier
23rd May 2013 5:00 AM


THE brightest veterinary minds in the country have ruled out flying foxes as the culprit for infecting two horses with Australian bat lyssavirus at Allora.

Chief vets from each state met on Tuesday, to analyse findings on the property and discuss further steps.

Queensland's Chief Biosecurity Officer Jim Thompson said Biosecurity Queensland officers revisited the property and confirmed it was, as suspected, a microbat that infected the horses.

"A number of options for managing the property were considered yesterday by the chief veterinarians," Dr Thompson said...

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: AU: Microbat confirmed as deadly lyssavirus carrier

Update on the Australian bat lyssavirus case
News release | 22 May, 2013

Chief veterinary officers from across Australia met yesterday to discuss the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) case on the Southern Downs in Queensland.

Queensland's Chief Biosecurity Officer Jim Thompson said Biosecurity Queensland officers revisited the property yesterday and reported that no animals were showing any signs of illness.

"A number of options for managing the property were considered yesterday by the chief veterinarians," Dr Thompson said.

"Biosecurity Queensland will be discussing these options with the property owner, including isolation and potential vaccination of animals and will continue to work closely with them in managing the situation.

"Through our understanding of this virus, it is believed that the infected horse was most likely infected through being scratched or bitten by a bat.

"Testing has confirmed the virus in the infected horse was the type of ABLV found in one species of insect-eating microbats, not flying foxes.

Dr Thompson said researchers from the Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease had been conducting property profiling to identify the type of bats and their movements in the area.

"Through their initial work, researchers have identified microbats in the area, including microbats roosting in buildings on the property," Dr Thompson said.

"I must reiterate that we haven't before seen ABLV in a horse in Australia, however, experts from around the country are continuing to work together to learn more about the virus.

"As has been our long-standing advice, it is recommended that animal owners take all reasonable steps to keep their animals away from bats.

"This may include restricting animals at night, particularly when bats are feeding. If owners suspect an animal might have been bitten or scratched by a bat, they should contact their local veterinarian.

"It is also important to ensure sound hygiene and biosecurity measures are routinely adopted for all contact with animals including their saliva, blood and other body fluids and associated equipment. This is to protect people against a number of diseases that can be transferred, not just ABLV."

For more information on Australian bat lyssavirus, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld).

http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/30_22677.htm

Our thread on the 2013 Lyssavirus outbreak in Queensland; http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205866

 

[Shiloh]

Re: AU: Microbat confirmed as deadly lyssavirus carrier

Source: http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/bat-carried-deadly-virus-moranbah/2044234/

Moranbah bat population is "just getting ridiculous now"
Pamela Frost
8th Oct 2013 7:19 AM

THOUSANDS of smelly and noisy bats are causing havoc in the streets of Moranbah and residents want a solution, especially after one was found to be infected with the deadly lyssavirus.

Resident Laura Hewatt said the problem had been going on for about five weeks and had affected four streets...