Oz uses experimental drug to halt virus spread

SYDNEY - An experimental drug so far only tested on animals has been given to an Australian woman and child in an effort to prevent an outbreak of a potentially deadly virus, health officials said on Tuesday.

The health department in the northeastern state of Queensland said the pair were given the treatment, which has been tested on ferrets, to protect against the Hendra virus, which is spread to humans from horses.

"Queensland Health offered the mother and daughter preventative therapy treatment which is still under development," a spokesman said.