Flying foxes invade Australia

by S. C.

An extraordinary number of flying foxes have taken to the air to hunt for food in fresh areas, because of wet weather in some parts of Australia, says the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).

Scientists have confirmed an invasion of around 130,000 flying foxes into Victoria. With numerous fox colonies on the move the AVA advises horse owners to be conscientious in looking out for symptoms of Hendra virus.

"Anyone working with horses should be on the lookout and immediately report any suspected cases of Hendra virus infection over the coming months," Barry Smyth, AVA vice-president, said.

The symptoms to watch out for include frothy nasal discharge, respiratory distress, elevated body temperature (above 40 degrees), and rapid heart rate. Smyth said however, it was important to realize there had been no specific signs of the disease to date.

Ever since 1994, there have been only forty cases of Hendra virus confirmed in horses and seven cases in humans, according to the AVA. All the horses either died or had to be destroyed and four of the people died. In every case of human infection with Hendra virus, there had been close contact with infected horses.

Dr Smyth said, “The Hendra infection had so far been restricted to Queensland and New South Wales, but the disease could strike wherever there were flying foxes.”

“Where possible horses should be cleared from fields where flying foxes are vigorous and trees where flying foxes perch should be fenced off,” Smyth advised. Protective measures should include not placing feed and water under trees when flying foxes are in the area, putting feed and water under cover where possible, not using feed that could attract flying foxes (such as fruit and vegetables).

There is no particular treatment for Hendra virus infection in horses.

Flying foxes are amongst the biggest species of bats, with wing spans of up to 6 feet and weighing an average of 2.5kilo.