New Hendra virus case in Bundaberg area
Biosecurity Queensland is managing a new Hendra virus case in the Bundaberg area of Queensland after positive test results were received late last night.
Queensland's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said a private veterinarian had euthanized one horse on the property on Monday after it became unwell over the weekend, with test results last night confirming the animal was infected with the Hendra virus.
HRA recommends that all people involved with horses remain vigilant. There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of Hendra virus infection on your property:
- Horse feed and water containers should be removed from under trees. If possible, place feed and water containers under a shelter.
- Owners should inspect and identify flowering/fruiting trees on their property. Horses should be removed from paddocks where flowering/fruiting trees are attracting flying foxes. Horses should be returned only after the trees have stopped flowering/fruiting and the flying foxes have gone. If horses cannot be removed from the paddock, consider fencing (temporary or permanent) to restrict access to flowering/ fruiting trees. Clean up any fruit debris underneath the trees before returning horses.
- 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).
- Ensure that sick horses are isolated from other horses, people and animals until a veterinarian’s opinion is obtained.
- If there is more than one horse on your property, handle unaffected horses first and then only handle sick horses after taking appropriate precautions (see under Personal protective equipment and How to reduce the risk of people becoming infected in this brochure).
- Make sure gear exposed to any body fluids from horses is cleaned and disinfected before it is used on another horse. This includes halters, lead ropes and twitches. Talk to your veterinarian about which cleaning agents and disinfectants to use.
- When cleaning contaminated equipment from a sick horse, wear gloves, cover any cuts or grazes and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- It is essential that horse owners practice good biosecurity and not travel with, work on or take sick horses to other properties or equestrian events.
- Do not allow visiting horse practitioners (e.g. farriers) to work on sick horses. Seek veterinary advice before bringing any sick horse onto your property.
Up to date information on Hendra virus is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au, including important workplace health and safety information for horse properties and other horse related businesses, and details of upcoming public information sessions.
For more information contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
