Bats, a Reservoir of Resurgent Viruses

ScienceDaily (July 24, 2012) — Measles, mumps, pneumonia, influenza and encephalitis in man, Carré's disease in dogs, Ovine Rinderpest (PPR)… all of these diseases are caused by viruses from the same family: Paramyxoviridae. A vast international study(1), carried out in collaboration with IRD researchers and published in Nature Communications has led to the discovery of more than 60 new species of these dangerous infectious agents, almost double the number previously recorded. This family of highly diverse pathogens affects all animals, from canines to fowl, cattle and humans. As a result, it is not always easy to determine which host is responsible for these viruses. Thanks to testing carried across the globe, the research team has recently discovered their source: bats.


Continued:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120724104258.htm