Both the Hendra virus and the Nipah virus are emerging and zoonotic viral agents. The Hendra virus has caused severe, fatal respiratory diseases and meningoencephalitis, affecting racehorses and humans in Australia. Fruit bats (flying foxes), members of Megachiroptera, are identified as the natural hosts both on serologic grounds and by viral isolation. The Hendra virus has been classified in a new genus within the Paramyxoviridae. The Nipah virus is a novel agent related to, but different from the Hendra virus. There is a 20% sequence divergence between the two viruses. Nipah viral particles are compatible with paramyxoviruses and can be made to cross-react with the Hendra virus antibody by the immunofluorescent technique. Viral isolation and immunological results verify that the Nipha virus is responsible for an explosive outbreak of viral pneumonia and encephalitis, involving mainly pigs and human adults working in pig farms. The resources, natural hosts and animal carriers of the Nipah virus must be investigated further.