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Hendra Virus Reported in North QueenslandBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 14, 2011
A North Queensland horse property has been quarantined after a horse there tested positive for Hendra virus, government officials announced July 13. There was no known connection between this incident and the disease incidents already under investigation at Beaudesert, Boonah, Park Ridge, or in New South Wales.
Nine properties have now been quarantined as a result of Hendra virus in Queensland. Veterinary health officials are doing three rounds of testing on the horses at these properties. The only properties that have movement restrictions for Hendra virus are the nine properties under official quarantine.
Hendra virus affects horses and humans, though the natural hosts are large fruit bats known as flying foxes. All known cases of Hendra infection in humans have been spread by contact with infected horses.
There are several measures horse owners can take to reduce the risk of horses becoming infected with Hendra virus:
- Isolate sick horses from other horses, people, and animals until you have obtained a veterinarian's opinion.
- Remove horse feed and water containers from under trees. If possible, place feed and water containers under a shelter.
- Remove horses from paddocks where trees with flowers or fruit have resulted in a temporary surge in flying fox numbers. Return horses only after the trees have stopped attracting the animals.
- If it is not possible to remove horses from paddocks, try to temporarily remove your horses during times of peak flying fox activity (usually at dusk and during the night), or fence off access to trees that are identified as attractive to flying foxes.
For more information and the latest updates, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_2900.htm.
