Preliminary data indicate a potential vaccine for the related Nipah virus seems be suitable in combating the deadly Hendra virus, said Dr. Debora Middleton of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong.

She said the initial data show "protection against disease in cats," the Brisbane Courier-Mail reported Friday.

Three human deaths have linked to Hendra virus in the Brisbane area since it was isolated in 1994, the Australian newspaper reported. The last major outbreak in July at the Brisbane Bayside Redlands Veterinary Clinic killed veterinarian Ben Cunneen.

The Hendra and Nipah viruses are harbored by fruit bats -- or flying fox -- and capable of causing illness and death in domestic animals and humans.