Managing the risk of Hendra virus spillover in Australia using ecological approaches: A report on three community juries.
Authors: Degeling Chris, Gilbert Gwendolyn L, Annand Edward, Taylor Melanie, Walsh Michael G, Ward Michael P, Wilson Andrew, Johnson Jane
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Managing Hendra Virus Risk Through Ecological Intervention Hendra virus remains endemic in Australian flying-fox populations, with habitat loss driving these animals into peri-urban areas where contact with horses—and subsequently humans—becomes increasingly probable. Rather than relying solely on vaccination and management practices (which have seen inconsistent uptake), researchers conducted three community juries across Australia to explore whether ecological approaches such as habitat creation and conservation could complement existing preventative strategies and address local concerns about spillover risk. Community engagement revealed substantial support for ecological interventions alongside traditional biosecurity measures, though stakeholders expressed legitimate concerns about implementation, cost, and the time required for habitat-based strategies to reduce flying-fox populations in problem areas. The findings suggest that integrated risk management combining vaccination, husbandry protocols, and long-term ecological planning—rather than singular interventions—is more likely to gain community acceptance and achieve sustained adoption in equine practice. For equine professionals, this underscores the importance of understanding that disease control in endemic regions requires multifaceted approaches; supporting habitat initiatives alongside vaccination and biosecurity measures may ultimately prove more effective than promoting these strategies in isolation.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Hendra virus risk management requires multi-faceted approach beyond vaccination alone—consider local habitat and flying-fox ecology when managing equine premises
- •Community engagement and acceptance of ecological management strategies (habitat conservation) is essential but challenging; work with local authorities on practical risk reduction
- •Ensure staff and stable management follow recommended husbandry practices to minimize flying-fox contact, especially in peri-urban areas with increasing bat populations
Key Findings
- •Habitat loss has increased peri-urban presence of flying-foxes, raising spillover risk to horses and humans
- •Current equine vaccine adoption and husbandry practices to minimize HeV exposure remain suboptimal
- •Ecological approaches including habitat creation and conservation could complement vaccination strategies but remain controversial among stakeholders