First case in five years of Hendra's deadly virus in Queensland after a horse fell ill on a property
A deadly virus from bats strikes Australia for the first time in five years as authorities struggle to contain the outbreak
- Hendra virus has not been contracted by horses since 2017 in Queensland
- The deadly virus spreads from fruit bats to horses, and can be fatal to humans
- A horse in Mackay is brought down after the Hendra virus weakens the animal
- QLD biosecurity worker ensures the case is kept on the property
A deadly virus capable of spreading to humans infected a horse for the first time in five years on a Queensland property.
The Hendra virus case, detected Friday in Mackay, is the first confirmed case of infection in horses in the state since 2017.
Hendra is commonly found among fruit bat populations.
The virus has killed more than half of the people who contracted the infection, most of whom were veterinarians.
Queensland Biosecurity said they were working to contain the outbreak, after disembarking horses and testing other animals on the property.
Horses can spread the Hendra virus to humans, which is a very dangerous disease
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said the horse’s condition quickly deteriorated after contracting the virus.
“Tracking and risk assessments have been carried out on other animals on the property,” said Dr Crook.
‘We work with property and horse owners to ensure the risk is contained in the property.
The deadly Hendra virus can spread from its natural host – fruit bats (pictured) – to horses
‘We are also working with Queensland Health’s Public Health experts to determine if any humans have had contact with infected horses and are available to provide any assistance, counselling, information, testing or treatment that may be required.’
Dr Crook also revealed the horse had not been vaccinated against the virus.
‘Hendra virus infection can occur year-round, so it’s important that horse owners take steps to protect themselves and their animals at all times,’ says Dr Crook.
There are vaccinations for horses to help prevent them from contracting the virus but horses infected in Mackay are not vaccinated
The last person to die from the Hendra virus was a veterinarian in Rockhampton in 2009. Most of those who died from the virus were veterinarians.
‘If a horse is sick, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately.’
Hendra virus is common in fruit bat or flying fox communities, with all four species of land flying fox considered natural hosts.
Infections between flying foxes cause little problem unless they are passed on to horses.
This virus has a much stronger effect on humans than flying foxes and people can catch it by handling infected horses.
Humans are considered unlikely to spread the virus among themselves.
The last person to die from the virus was Rockhampton veterinarian Alister Rodgers in 2009.
‘People in contact with horses need to remember to continue to practice good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures even if horses are vaccinated against the Hendra virus,’ says Dr Crook.
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