Malaysia banned the import of horses from Australia for racing due to an outbreak of the deadly Hendra virus, AP reported. Veterinary department deputy director-general Ibrahim Che' Embong told The Star newspaper the ban was a precautionary move and would be rescinded once Australian authorities gave the clearance. A department official confirmed his comments Wednesday. Twelve horses have died in Australia since mid-June. The Hendra virus, first identified in 1994 near Brisbane, originates in fruit bats and mainly infects horses. It is extremely rare but very deadly in humans, causing flulike symptoms that can lead to pneumonia or encephalitis. Seven people are known to have contracted it, and four of them died. All had direct contact with infected horses. Dozens of people are being tested in the current outbreak in Australia, but no human illnesses have been reported. -- SPA
