Research

The specific coronavirus which is directly related to SARS-CoV-2 has not been detected in fruit bats, it has exclusively been detected in insectivorous horseshoe bats in SE Asia (predominantly in China). The emergence of these novel coronaviruses are likely the results of an intricate mix of species available at Chinese wild animal / wet markets which allows the virus to further develop zoonotic potential and spill over to humans. While this is good news for our native Flying Foxes, it is without a doubt time to put an end to these deadly live animal markets. For the poor animals, and to prevent this type of thing from ever happening again.

Read Now

Signs of botulism in flying-foxes were a protruding tongue, reduced ability to swallow and weakness progressing to loss of ability to perch and respiratory difficulty. At the time (March 2019) high blowfly numbers were present at a release aviary in Northern NSW. The blowflies were attracted to the chopped fruit, plus protein supplement, which the flying-foxes were being fed. It is suspected that blowfly egg masses laid on the fruit were the source of the botulism toxin.

Read Now