The Hendra Virus (HeV) in Australia: Ideas for the HSC biology module - the search for better health

Recent media and public interest concerning the incidence of Hendra virus (HeV) in Queensland, once again has highlighted the ability of pathogens to move across the species barrier, in this case, the movement of a virus from flying foxes to horses, people, and one identified dog. HeV makes for interesting reading about new and emerging infectious diseases in Australia, their epidemiology and their potential threat to biosecurity. From a learning and teaching perspective, these infectious diseases provide an opportunity for HSC biology students to use the media and government agencies to study these new and emerging infectious diseases at a local level, to stay informed about their management and to become conversant with Australian research. The study of infectious disease is part of the Stage 6 HSC Biology syllabus module entitled Search for Better Health.