Hendra Virus Outbreaks
08-Jul-2011The current Hendra Virus outbreaks in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales highlight the need for horse owners and stud managers to be vigilant for signs of illness in any horses recently arrived on your property. Clients whose properties have a resident population of flying foxes should ensure that horses are kept away from areas of flying fox activity and should take extreme care if horses show signs of illness.
Initial signs of Hendra Virus infection may be mild and not easily noticed, they can include an increased temperature, respiratory discharge or distress, neurological signs, mild colic signs or sudden death.
Any horses arriving from these areas or showing signs of illness should be handled with bio-security precautions and isolated. Care should be taken not to allow staff to come into contact with any discharge or secretion from the horse.
Attached is a document prepared by NSW Department of Primary Industries which provides more information and links regarding Hendra Virus.
Scone Equine Hospital recommends that all clients receiving horses from south-east Queensland, northern New South Wales or any area of known flying fox activity require that the horses undergo a veterinary inspection within 24 hours prior to departure from the property of origin.
The veterinarian should examine the horse/s prior to travel and sign a declaration stating that “the horse is free of symptoms of infectious disease including Hendra Virus” and that “the property of origin has not been the site of suspected Hendra Virus case or unexplained death within the previous month.”
SEH veterinarians who are called to treat horses from these areas which are showing signs of illness will consider these horses high risk until proven otherwise. They will wear Personal Protective Equipment and observe bio-security protocols. Please assist us by notifying your veterinarian if the horse comes from a high risk area or is showing any of the symptoms.
Please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding Hendra Virus.
Hendra-alert-for-horse-industry.pdf
