 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hendra Virus Vaccine Developed for HorsesBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · June 9, 2011
A vaccine to protect horses from Hendra virus has been developed and could be on the market as early as 2011. Final safety testing must be conducted before the vaccine will be available to veterinarians. Dr. Deborah Middleton of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory announced the breakthrough at the recent Australian Veterinary Association Conference in Adelaide.
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, so preventing the disease in equines would presumably lower the risk of human illness.
Since its first appearance in Hendra in the Australian territory of Queensland in 1994, there have been 14 known outbreaks of Hendra virus infection. Five of the outbreaks have involved humans as well as horses, and of the seven people infected, four have died.
Assistance in developing the vaccine was provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Evaluation of the vaccine's efficacy was conducted at the high-security biocontainment facility at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory.
Though no preventive Hendra vaccine exists for humans, the University of Queensland has developed a monoclonal antibody for use as an experimental treatment in humans that have been exposed to the virus. The treatment maximizes the chances of survival for veterinarians and others who may have been in contact with infected horses.
Transmission of the disease is a risk for veterinarians performing dental procedures, respiratory endoscopic examinations, and necropsies on infected horses. Using protective gear (masks, gloves) and washing hands after contact with horses can reduce the chance of spreading the illness.
