UN mission investigates virus outbreak in Philippines

The Ebola-Reston virus jumped from monkeys to pigs in the Philippines. [ABC]
PHOTO

The Ebola-Reston virus jumped from monkeys to pigs in the Philippines. [ABC]

Last Updated: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 09:51:00 +1100

Experts from three United Nations agencies are in the Philippines to investigate an outbreak of the Ebola-Reston virus at two pig farms north of Manila.

The World Health Organisation says the Ebola-Reston is only found in the Philippines and is not dangerous to humans, unlike the four deadly Ebola sub-types found in Africa.

While Ebola-Reston had previously been confined to monkeys in the Philippines, it has now jumped to pigs.

The WHO says the UN is investigating because it had potential implications for animal and human health.

    Asia: The Big Questions

    On Connect Asia, starting June 23

    With Asia Pacific Associate Editor Graeme Dobell.

    News programs on Australia Network

    News programs on Radio Australia

    Features

    ABC News