Hendra virus

Hendra Virus
This fortnight we are tackling the well-publicised Hendra Virus, affecting horses, flying foxes and humans.

There is still much that needs to be learned about Hendra Virus, but essentially the virus attacks the cells of the animal’s body, causing cells to leak blood and fluids.

Symptoms vary alot depending on where in the body the virus attacks, but usually are either associated with bleeding into the lungs or neurological signs from the virus causing an encephalitis. Symptoms that your horse may have contracted Hendra are often vague but usually include increased respiratory rates, nasal discharge, and increased body temperature.

Hendra Virus is a horrible disease, which at this stage even with much research, has no cure or preventative vaccine, which makes it frightening for horse owners. However, IT IS A DIFFICULT DISEASE TO CATCH and all the humans that have been affected have had extensive close contact with sick horses.

Hendra Virus was first isolated in 1994 in Brisbane where a trainer died and many horses had to be destroyed. Since then Hendra has had a number of outbreaks resulting in the tragic death of two of my veterinary colleagues, and many horses.

The Hendra Virus is believed to be endemic in the flying fox population (ie carried and spread by seemingly healthy animals) and for some unknown reason the virus occasionally spills over from bats to susceptible horses. It is thought that transmission from bat to horse is through the eating of feed and water contaminated with bat urine, saliva or other bodily fluids.

Reducing the risk of your horse contracting Hendra starts at home. When more information is gained via research, more specific advice will be available but until then the following suggestions should be undertaken to reduce your risk of Hendra Virus affecting your property:

1 Place feed, water and storage feed bins under cover

2 Remove all nearby trees that may attract fruit bats, and don’t plant trees in or near horse paddocks that attract bats. Some of these high risk tree species include Moreton bay figs, palms, Lilly Pillies, eucalypts, melaleuca, Callistemon and Grevilleas. At the very least, remove horses from paddocks with these trees in them while they are flowering and fruiting and causing an influx of flying foxes.

3 Never allow your horses access at any time to areas where flying foxes roost

4 Avoid contact with any of your horses bodily fluids (particularly nasal discharges) even if your horse seems well, and be vigilant about washing your hands and covering any open wounds.

5 Keep any sick horse’s isolated from other horses, people and animals until you have gained veterinary advice. Do not move any other horses off the property until given the all clear by a Vet or the DPI.

6 Ensure you have your own safe systems at your property with respects to cleaning, stable hygiene and cleaning an disinfecting equipment that has been in contact with body fluids of horses

For more detailed information on Hendra Virus please visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au Ph: 13 25 23.