Post #4389410

Bats carry many viruses that can infect & kill other mammals, including humans. What causes cross species infection to happen? Habitat loss leading these migratory creatures to forage & nest in areas closer to farms & people. Australian research has shown that planting blocks of eucalypts that blossom in winter, away from developed areas, can provide refuge for bats from all over the country, thereby preventing spillover events from occurring. This research was haphazardly funded, initiated & conducted, sometimes with no pay, by wildlife ecologist Dr Peggy Eby. We are all in her debt. If we want to prevent further pandemics instead of only responding to them, research into habitat loss & ecosystem changes resulting from climate change is fundamental. My conclusion from this? Research into pharmaceutical responses to disease is supported by a multi billion dollar industry & influential lobby groups. Ecological research is not. We need public funding for public good research. Excerpt from forthcoming book by Michael Delaney #ClimateChange #HabitatLoss #ZoonoticDesease #Pandemic #research #funding #AusPol #governance https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/aug/03/hendra-virus-australia-sentinels-book-extract-animal-to-human-disease-spread?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other