Horse Owners Should Prepare For Hendra Season! PDF Print
The Australian Veterinary Association is warning horse owners to be prepared as the time of year approaches when Hendra virus infection has appeared in recent years.
“Anyone working with horses should be on the lookout and immediately report any suspected cases of Hendra virus infection over the coming months,” said Dr Barry Smyth, Vice-President of the Australian Veterinary Association.
“Recent mass movements of large flying fox colonies mean owners should be especially vigilant"
“Wet weather in some parts of the country has caused flying foxes to take to the air to find food in new areas. An influx of more than 130,000 into Victoria was confirmed by scientists just last week.
“So far cases of Hendra infection have been restricted to Queensland and New South Wales, however there is a potential for the disease wherever there are flying foxes.
Common symptoms to look out for include respiratory distress, frothy nasal discharge, elevated body temperature (above 40°C), and elevated heart rate. However, it is important to realise there are no specific signs of infection.
“Protective measures include placing feed and water under cover where possible, not placing feed and water under trees when flying foxes are in the area, not using feed that might attract flying foxes (such as fruit and vegetables), and where possible removing horses from fields where flying foxes are active, and fencing off trees where flying foxes roost ,” he said.
The few cases of human Hendra virus infection have been the result of very close contact with horses infected with the virus. Body fluids or secretions from infected animals are likely to contain the virus.
At the time the people became infected the horses did not appear sick.
“The risk can be greatly reduced by adopting good hygiene practices as a matter of routine and taking increased precautions around any sick horse,” said Dr Smyth.
“It is also important to wash you hands with soap and water regularly before, during and after handling horses and minimise contact with your horse if it is unwell,” he said.
Since 1994, Hendra virus has been confirmed in 40 horses and seven humans. In these cases all horses either died or were destroyed and four of the people died.
Currently there is no specific treatment for Hendra virus infection in horses.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice health problems in your horses or suspect they may be infected with Hendra virus.

For further information and requests for interviews contact:
Jacob O’Shaughnessy, Media Relations Manager Ph: 02 9431 5062 or 0439 628 898
 
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