Time for human Hendra trial: scientist

THE scientist who developed the Hendra vaccine wants to see it trialled on humans.

Almost a year after the Equivac vaccine became commercially available for horse inoculation, Professor Christopher Broder is hoping to secure funding to start human trials.

The US scientist says the Hendra virus protein, in every vaccine dose, has already been successfully tested on cats, ferrets, monkeys and horses.

The first foals recently born to horses vaccinated against Hendra also showed no complications, and Prof Broder says there's no reason why human trials can't go ahead.

"I'd certainly like to see that done," Prof Broder told AAP.

"We picked the right protein and we've been able to show in not only one animal model - but now four animal models - that there are no adverse reactions to the vaccination."

However, Prof Broder said he wasn't sure how soon he could secure funding for a phase-one safety trial.

"Whether or not those funds will become available in the next few years is anyone's guess considering the current state of research support in both the United States and Australia," he said.

Prof Broder said current testing focused on how often a horse's immunity against Hendra should be boosted.

Horses are believed to contract the virus from feed contaminated by urine, saliva or birthing fluids from flying foxes.

There's no known cure for Hendra, but the Equivac HeV vaccine aims to break the cycle of transmission and prevent human deaths.

Four people have died from the virus in Australia since 1994.

Even if the Hendra vaccine can't be tested on humans, Prof Broder is confident it will go a long way towards preventing Hendra virus in horses and people.

Every person infected with Hendra has contracted the virus from a horse, he said.

"The vaccine is going to break that chain of potential transmission and, in reality, if 90 per cent of horses end up getting vaccinated and it's taken up very well then Hendra virus is definitely not going to be a problem any more.

"And I think it has a really good chance of being that way."

Prof Broder will spend the next two weeks in Australia discussing the progress of the vaccine with government representatives and those who have been instrumental in fighting the Hendra virus.

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Warships to leave Sydney Harbour

THEY sailed, they berthed and they entertained.

Now the warships in town for the International Fleet Review will depart Sydney Harbour, marking the close of the nine-day navy event.

Those from afar off as Nigeria, India and the United Kingdom arrived a week ago and helped celebrate 100 years since the Royal Australian Navy fleet entered the harbour.

Most will depart at 7am.

Many of the ships will also go on to participate in Exercise Triton Centenary in Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast, which will see nations display warfare skills and exchange maritime views.

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Vic police vow to continue bikie crackdown

POLICE have vowed to continue their crackdown on bikies involved in criminal activities after the largest raid on a single club in Victoria's history.

Guns, ammunition, drugs and cash were seized and 13 people arrested when more than 700 police, including federal and customs officers, swooped on Hells Angels clubhouses and members' homes on Thursday morning.

All of those arrested have significant roles within the Hells Angels, police say.

They include sergeant at arms Peter Hewat, 58, who faces 13 charges at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday after $47,000 of cash and weapons were allegedly seized from his Craigieburn business and Mickleham home.

Police had hoped to find a high-powered AK-47 and a M1 carbine assault rifle - used in recent drive-by shootings by Hells Angels members at rival clubhouses in Hallam, Dandenong and Clayton South - but were unsuccessful.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay has vowed to track them down and put pressure on the gang.

"We haven't recovered those firearms, so we will continue our operation, we will continue our work until we get those guns," he said.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the police crackdown will continue.

"Our operation is ongoing and we intend to continue to target all of those groups and individuals that are involved in criminal activities," she said.

Ms Walsh expects Hells Angels across Australia to feel the impact of Thursday's raid.

"The impact interstate has been significant and I think this type of activity and this type of show of strength puts ... all those that are involved in criminal activities on notice," she said.

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