Fears for Australia after 20 new bat viruses discovered in China
Share this @internewscast.com
Researchers in China have identified twenty new bat viruses, including two that are closely related to the dangerous nipah and hendra viruses.

In this recent investigation, scientists examined the kidneys of 142 bats spanning ten species, all collected over a four-year period from five regions in Yunnan province.

Using advanced genetic sequencing, the team found 22 viruses – 20 of them never seen before.

New viruses have been discovered in bat kidneys in China. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Of particular concern were the discovery of two new henipaviruses, belonging to the same genus as nipah and hendra viruses, notorious for their high mortality rates in humans.

The henipaviruses were found in fruit bats living near orchards close to human villages.

Given that henipaviruses are transmissible through urine and were located in the bats’ kidneys, the research highlights the potential threat of infected fruit and the possibility of these viruses crossing over to humans or livestock.

Many of the bats were captured in orchards. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

University of Sydney wildlife disease ecologist and veterinarian Dr Alison Peel said while the discovery was “concerning”, it was not yet known if the new viruses could infect humans.

“We have other examples of close evolutionary cousins to hendra and nipah that appear not to be of any concern for spillover, so there will need to be some more laboratory studies on these new viruses to determine the actual risk,” she said.

Peel said the link between virus-carrying bats and fruit orchards in China provided a lesson to Australia.

A 3D illustration of Hendra virus, a bat-borne virus associated with a highly fatal infection in horses and humans.
The hendra virus is deadly to humans. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“Our research on hendra virus spillover in Australia has demonstrated clear links between habitat destruction, loss of natural food, and increased spillover risk – so this may also be the case in China,” she said.

“Rather than focusing on bats as the problem, we’ve also shown evidence that protecting and restoring bat food sources is an effective and sustainable solution.”

Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam from Monash University warned that the new viruses could spread swiftly from China to Australia.

“The similarity between Australian rural environments and Yunnan’s orchards near human settlements stresses the urgency of intensified surveillance and biosecurity measures,” he said.

“Global connectivity means an outbreak in China could swiftly reach Australia, emphasising the need for robust local monitoring strategies, particularly targeting bat kidneys, a novel insight provided by this study.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Stars are no stranger to elaborate death hoaxes, and hitmaker Bon Jovi quickly saw the funny side of claims that he'd met his demise back in 2011

Shocking Celebrity Death Hoaxes: Bon Jovi, Denise Welch, and Tom Cruise Among Stars Targeted by Viral Internet Pranks After Leigh-Anne Pinnock’s ‘Disturbing’ Fake News

In the world of fame and fortune, celebrities often find themselves at…
Danny Green

Iconic Athletes Rally Behind Danny Green’s Powerful Message

A diverse array of sports legends, from the West Coast Eagles’ current…

Trump’s Surprising Stance: Why Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine are Off the Table

Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a deal with…

Honoring Dr. Charles Perkins: Reflecting on His Legacy 25 Years After His Passing

This article contains references/and or images of a deceased Aboriginal person. Twenty-five…

Is Australia’s Banking System Facing Accessibility Challenges?

New data showing a continued decline in the number of physical banking…
Farmers plant rice saplings in a waterlogged paddy field in Uttar Pradesh on July 12, 2025.

Farmer Uncovers Mysterious Buried Doll, Discovers Surprising Revelation as Fingers Move

The first sight Shyam Babu stumbled upon was a tiny, frail arm…
'Poor choice of words': Queensland Premier walks back stabbing remark

Queensland Premier Clarifies Controversial Comment on Stabbing Incident

At a Newscorp event in Brisbane, David Crisafulli addressed strategies to entice…

$10 Million Initiative Unveiled to Combat AI Bullying in Schools

Warning: This article contains references to suicide/self-harm. The government has announced a…
Students using a digital tablet in a classroom. There is a boy and a girl, both are wearing school uniforms and are happy and smiling.

Australia’s Education Overhaul: Nationwide School Reforms Promise Transformative Impact

The Federal Government has allocated $10 million to combat school bullying, with…
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks alongside U.S. President Donald Trump to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Musk, who served as an adviser to Trump and led the Department of Government Efficiency, announced he would leave his role in the Trump administration to refocus on his businesses.  (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

White House Embraces Bluesky: A Bold Move to Rival Elon Musk’s Social Media Empire

Yesterday, the White House made its debut on Bluesky, a social media…

Could Your Dog Be Prone to Addiction? New Scientific Insights Suggest Possibility

Dogs can become so attached to particular toys they display behaviour that…
HSC hoax letter

Viral HSC Hoax Debunked: Exam Rescheduling Rumors Set Straight

A letter allegedly issued by the NSW Education Standards Authority, claiming a…