Submitted by Anna Davies on Fri, 13/01/2012 - 09:57
A new study on African bats provides a vital clue for unravelling the mysteries in Australia’s battle with the deadly Hendra virus.
The study focused on an isolated colony of straw-coloured fruit bats on islands off the west coast of central Africa. By capturing the bats and collecting blood samples, scientists discovered these animals have antibodies that can neutralise deadly viruses known in Australia and Asia.