To the Editor: In their report of Hendra virus infection acquired by a veterinarian from an infected horse, Hanna et al1 mention that the likely reservoir for this virus is fruit bats (Pteropus spp.), and suggest that transmission of the virus to horses may be via contamination of pasture by birth products from fruit bats.
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- School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD.
Correspondence: pprociv@bigpond.net.au
- 1. Hanna JN, McBride WJ, Brookes DL, et al. Hendra virus infection in a veterinarian. Med J Aust 2006; 185: 562-564. <MJA full text>
- 2. Prociv P. Toxocara pteropodis Baylis 1936: life-cycle, epizootiology and zoonotic potential [PhD thesis]. Brisbane: University of Queensland, 1988.
- 3. Prociv P. Seasonal behaviour of Pteropus scapulatus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). Aust Mamm 1983; 6: 45-46.
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