A mystery virus started killing horses. Then humans. Was this the moment our coronavirus era began?
This article explores the historical origins of the Hendra virus, which emerged in a Brisbane horse stable in the 1990s. It examines how the virus jumped from bats to horses and eventually humans, serving as a case study for understanding modern zoonotic disease outbreaks.
Why it matters
Understanding the origins of zoonotic diseases like Hendra is critical for preventing future pandemics and managing public health risks associated with human-animal interaction.
A Brisbane horse stable became the centre of an outbreak of a new virus in the 1990s – Hendra virus, which had jumped from bats to horses to humans. Illustration: Victoria Hart/Guardian Design A Brisbane horse stable became the centre of an outbreak of a new virus in the 1990s – Hendra virus, which had jumped from bats to horses to humans. Illustration: Victoria Hart/Guardian Design Infectious diseases A mystery virus started killing horses. Then humans. Was this the moment our coronavirus era began? In the 1990s, scientists in Australia began searching for the origins of a new disease showing up in places hundreds of kilometres apart. They discovered the origin: bats. And found a way to reduce the risk of bat disease spillovers
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