It is due to the flying foxes that the horses contract the disease of hendra virus. The disease is deadly in nature and has been a serious issue with the vets and various experts.

In order to solve the problem of outbreak of hendra virus, removal of bat colonies was suggested. Various research group authorities have disapproved the move emphasizing that the move may result in an even more complicated situation than before, risking the lives of horses in the region.

Dr. Jon Luly, from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, states the step to gather the flying foxes or even shifting of colonies to some other place was an unreasonable, brutal and an unproductive measure.

The flying foxes not only spread hendra virus, but also balance the ecological system in a way. Also, Chairperson, Dr. Lee Skerratt, of One Health Research Group, at the Anton Breinl Centre for Public Health and Tropical Medicine in the School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, have opposed to the measure stating as useless.

As per Dr. Skerratt, “There are various ways to improve the management of the risk of Hendra virus, including preventing horses being exposed to flying foxes and their excrements”.