Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/feb12/120215b.asp
posted February 1, 2012
Bats increasingly seen as vectors
By Greg Cima
Gerald T. Keusch, MD, said bats are a "largely unknown, underinvestigated, poorly understood, now-definitive vector for new emerging viruses."
He suggested the animals' significance as vectors could make them the "mosquitoes of the 21st century."
Peter Daszak, PhD, said few researchers were examining diseases in bats 20 years ago. But the animals have gained attention and attracted study from numerous groups as having a role in outbreaks of diseases caused by Hendra, Nipah, Lyssa, Menangle, and Ebola viruses and the coronavirus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome...
posted February 1, 2012
Bats increasingly seen as vectors
By Greg Cima
Gerald T. Keusch, MD, said bats are a "largely unknown, underinvestigated, poorly understood, now-definitive vector for new emerging viruses."
He suggested the animals' significance as vectors could make them the "mosquitoes of the 21st century."
Peter Daszak, PhD, said few researchers were examining diseases in bats 20 years ago. But the animals have gained attention and attracted study from numerous groups as having a role in outbreaks of diseases caused by Hendra, Nipah, Lyssa, Menangle, and Ebola viruses and the coronavirus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome...