The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has confirmed the Northern Territory's first detection of Hendra virus in a bat, following a positive test result on 11 December 2025.
DAF Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Sue Fitzpatrick, said the detection was not unexpected, as Little Red and Black Flying Fox bats are the natural host of the virus and over 20% of bats have been exposed to the virus in the NT.
"Hendra virus is a known viral infection that can affect horses, and in rare cases can spread from horses to people," Dr Fitzpatrick said.
"There are no known instances of dogs becoming infected with Hendra virus through contact with bats.
"This detection in a bat does not change the current level of risk to horses, pets or the community. It simply confirms the virus is present in the NT's bat population, as it is in other parts of northern Australia. Further surveillance and sampling is now underway."
Dr Fitzpatrick said horse owners can continue to manage risk through established and effective measures.
"We encourage horse owners to vaccinate their horses, particularly in areas where large bat populations are present," she said.
