The Queensland Government has announced the allocation of  $7 million in funding for new Hendra Virus research projects.

 

State Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin said it has been an unprecedented year for Hendra Virus in Queensland.

“In July, the Premier’s of Queensland and NSW announced an additional $3 million each over three years to fund Hendra Virus research. This was matched with $6 million from the Commonwealth Government bringing the total to $12 million."

Mr Mulherin said that 5 research projects had been commissioned and would receive just over $5 million in funding.

The projects will research: 

  • Hendra Virus infection and transmission, which continues the work of the Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the internationally renowned scientist Dr Hume Field 
  • Hendra Virus in dogs given the recent case of a dog that tested positive to Hendra Virus 
  • Flying fox dispersal and Hendra Virus risk - lead by QCEID 
  • The effectiveness of the final formulation of the Hendra Virus vaccine for horses.

 

 

A further $2 million has been allocated to a new Hendra Virus Open Funding Program, which will be open to applications from scientists, academics and universities within Australia and overseas.

 

Research will be funded to target three central priorities: 

  • Prediction of high risk periods for Hendra Virus transmission from flying foxes to horses 
  • Strategies to prevent transmission of Hendra Virus 
  • Detection and response to incidents 

Details of how to apply for the research grants can be found here. Applications close on 31 October 2011.