Alerts
8/12/2009 - Hendra Info
BRIEF:
Biosecurity and Quarantine
The current outbreak of Hendra virus (HeV) on a horse property in QLD emphasises again the critical importance of observation and reporting of clinical disease in horses. Recently, outbreaks of strangles on a number of properties in NSW provide additional proof of the need for all horse owners to institute biosecurity measures on their properties. This includes isolation of all new arrivals for a suitable period to prevent introduction of any disease onto the property.
Hendra virus
Research at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory after the Redlands 2008 outbreak of HeV has provided new information that must be taken into account in areas where flying foxes congregate.
All flying fox populations in Australia have the potential to carry and excrete HeV.
The new information is that horses can be infected with HeV for a couple of days before showing any clinical signs of being ill. During that time they can be excreting HeV which potentially can infect anybody who comes into contact with the infected horse. The research showed that infected horses appear normal, but have increased heart rates and body temperatures before they become ill. Thus, it is essential that horse owners take appropriate steps to prevent access by horses to all areas where flying foxes congregate.
The research has implications for horse owners or managers in other areas of Australia. Horses travel regularly from QLD and northern NSW (where HeV infections have been detected) to all parts of Australia. This means that horses from these areas must be isolated, observed and monitored closely for the first few days after arrival to ensure they remain healthy. If they are ill, then a veterinarian should be called and advised that the horse has recently arrived from an area where it is possible to have come into contact with flying foxes and HeV. This enables the veterinarian and those in contact with the horse to take appropriate precautions to prevent them becoming exposed to HeV when examining the horse and taking samples for laboratory analysis.