The Queensland government has awarded a further AU$7 million for Hendra virus research projects.
The funding comes in what Tim Mulherin, state minister for agriculture, has described as “an unprecedented year for Hendra virus in Queensland.”
Recipient projects will research Hendra virus infection and transmission, which continues the work of the Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases (QCEID); Hendra virus in dogs; flying fox dispersal and Hendra virus risk, led by QCEID; and the effectiveness of the final formulation of the Hendra virus vaccine for horses.
“In July, the Premiers of Queensland and NSW announced an additional AU$3m each over three years to fund Hendra virus research,” said Mulherin.
“This was matched with AU$6m from the Commonwealth government, bringing the total to AU$12m.
“These projects will accelerate existing research to help understand the ecology of Hendra virus and begin some new high priority research, all of which will contribute greatly to our knowledge in dealing with the disease,” he said.
The funding announcement, made on 11 October, coincided with the opening of an AU$2m grants programme for Hendra virus research.