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Hendra virus (HeV) occurs naturally in flying foxes where it appears to cause little or no signs of illness. For reasons not completely understood at present, at times the virus is shed in flying fox body secretions including urine, faeces, saliva and birthing fluids. Horses can become infected by HeV if they ingest or inhale these contaminated body secretions.
Clinical signs in sick horses are variable but usually they develop a fever and appear unwell. There is usually respiratory distress with nasal discharge and sometimes neurological sign such as twitching, circling, and unsteadiness are seen. Although flying fox secretions are the most common means of horse infection, horse to horse infection appears to occur.
Humans become infected from handling infected horses without using protective equipment. There is no evidence that there is direct flying fox to human infection. The disease is extremely rare but has a mortality rate of at least 50%.
A dog on a property with infected horses tested positive for HeV antibodies for the first time. It is thought that the dog became infected from the horses.
Currently there are no vaccines available to protect animals or humans against this disease. However there are important steps that can be taken to protect oneself and one’s animals. For the latest information and advice on these protective steps please visit the Biosecurity Queensland website: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_2900.htm
This website provides general information which must not be relied upon or regarded as a substitute for specific professional advice, including veterinary advice. We make no warranties that the website is accurate or suitable for a person’s unique circumstances and provide the website on the basis that all persons accessing the website responsibly assess the relevance and accuracy of its content.
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