Hendra Virus Similar to Nipah Disease in Asia

The Hendra virus was first identified in 1994. It killed horses and several veterinary scientists. Oddly, this deadly disease has only appeared in Australia. This is very unusual. Diseases tend to spread across national borders.

Outbreaks are spasmodic. Horses in Queensland and New South Wales have died recently in the latest outbreak. Scientists are intensively examining all aspects of the Hendra virus. A dog was found to be a carrier. Though unaffected and quite healthy the dog had to be put down.

Promising results have been obtained by using human antibody m102.4 on monkeys who were intentionally infected. The animals remained well for three days before needing treatment. All of the subjects survived. A control group of monkeys who were not given the antibody died.

Though unproven, the ailment is believed to be carried and spread by bats. A similar bat borne disease is widespread in India, Bangladesh and Malaysia. The Asian Nipah ailment identified in 1998 is of interest to scientists because aspects of it are much the same as the Hendra virus.

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Medicine

Vets Have Demanding Jobs and Don't Get Paid

People expect treatment of animals to be free. This is a fact. That is why there is a high suicide rate for veterinary surgeons. The suicide rate for vets is four times higher than the rest of the population.

In cities people take their pets to the vet when there is serious injury or illness or when an animal is at death's door. If their pet dies while being treated or operated on it is the norm, expected, that the vet will wave charges. And again, after a pet is put down it is deemed to be rude for the vet to charge a reasonable fee.

Rural regions operate in a different way. Veterinary surgeons are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At lambing time they are rushed off their feet. Every farmer pays 3 months after service, so vets are in debt to the bank from the start. The days of paying with eggs are not gone either. Meat is often offered as payment.

Why do people train to be vets? They obviously love animals, like the technical side of the job, or have community spirit. They will not become wealthy nor have secure futures.

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become wealthy or have secure futures.