ScienceDaily (Aug. 2, 2012) — 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 notcause 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 cousins. The findings have been announced August 3 in the journal,PLoS Pathogens, published by the Public Library of Science.
Mr Gary Crameri, research scientist with the bat virus team at CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong, Victoria, said the new discovery had significant potential implications for protecting animals and humans from the Hendra and Nipah viruses.
Continued: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120802183950.htm
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