Authors: Craig Smith, Chris Skelly, Nina Kung, Billie Roberts, Hume Field
Year: 2014
Journal: PLoS ONE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099965
Summary#
This paper investigates the relationship between flying-fox species density and reported Hendra virus infection in horses in Eastern Australia, identifying P. alecto and P. conspicillatus as likely sources of infection.
Key Findings#
- Significant clustering of equine cases at a distance of 40 km, suggesting flying-fox roosts as a biologically plausible basis for the clustering
- Multiple equine infection hot spots along the eastern Australia coast from far north Queensland to central New South Wales
- The density of P. alecto and P. conspicillatus having the strongest positive correlation with equine case locations
Methodology#
- Study Type: Study type not explicitly stated, but appears to be an observational study
- Geographic Focus: Eastern Australia
- Time Period: February 28, 2014 to June 17, 2014
Topics#
Virulogy, Epidemiology
Relevance#
The findings of this paper can inform risk mitigation strategies for Hendra virus infection in horses by identifying flying-fox species density as a spatial risk factor.