A novel lyssavirus was isolated from brains of Indian flying foxes (Pteropus medius) in Sri Lanka. Phylogenetic analysis of complete virus genome sequences, and geographic location and host species, provides strong evidence that this virus is a putative new lyssavirus species, designated as Gannoruwa bat lyssavirus.
Keywords: Asia; GBLV; Gannoruwa bat lyssavirus; Indian flying fox; Pteropus medius; Sri Lanka; fruit bat; lyssavirus; rabies; viruses.