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Australia: Hendra virus 2017

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  • Australia: Hendra virus 2017

    New Hendra virus case confirmed in Gold Coast Hinterland






    News release | 26-May-2017

    Biosecurity Queensland is managing a new Hendra virus case in a horse in the Gold Coast Hinterland area after a positive test result was received late last night.


    Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Jim Thompson said one horse had been euthanased on the property after rapid deterioration.

    “Tracing and risk assessments are being undertaken on any animals that may have had contact with the infected horse to work out if further testing needs to be done,” Dr Thompson said.

    “We will work with the property owners to ensure the risk is contained on the property.”

    Queensland Health's Public Health experts are assessing the situation today to determine if any humans had contact with the infected horse, and stands ready to provide any assistance, counselling, information, testing or treatment that may be required.

    Dr Thompson said this was the first case of Hendra virus in Queensland this year.

    "Hendra virus infection can occur throughout the year, so it’s important that horse owners take steps to protect themselves and their animals at all times,” he said.

    "Vaccination is the single most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses. It is recommended that horse owners speak to their veterinarian about vaccinating their horses.

    “The deceased horse had not been vaccinated for Hendra virus.

    "If a horse becomes sick, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately. People in contact with horses need to remember to continue to practise good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus.”

    For more information on prevention of Hendra virus or biosecurity steps in an incident, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. For information on the vaccine, visit www.health4horses.com.au
    Download audio clip: Chief Biosecurity Officer, Dr Jim Thompson
    Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld).

    Media contact: Sacha Kitson , (07) 3087 8591


    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

  • #2
    Hendra virus confirmed near Lismore
    9 Jul 2017
    The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is urging horse owners to remain vigilant, following confirmation of Hendra virus infection in an unvaccinated horse near Lismore.
    NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Christine Middlemiss, said the property near Lismore has been placed under movement restrictions by Local Land Services.
    ?This is the first case of Hendra virus confirmed in NSW this year,? Dr Middlemiss said.
    ?Samples from the horse were sent by a private veterinarian for laboratory analysis at DPI?s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) and results from testing at EMAI confirmed the Hendra virus last night.
    ?The 11-year-old gelding was euthanased near Lismore last night by the Local Land Services district veterinarian.
    ?The horse was noticed to be lethargic on Thursday 6 July. On Friday 7 July the horse was not eating and was wobbly on its feet.
    ?There has been a case of Hendra virus in the area before.
    ?All known Hendra virus cases have occurred in Queensland or northern NSW, but cases could occur wherever there are flying foxes or in horses that had recent contact with flying foxes prior to movement.?
    All horse owners should discuss a Hendra virus vaccination strategy with their veterinarian.
    ?Vaccination remains the most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in Horses, but good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures should always be practiced in conjunction with it,? Dr Middlemiss said.
    ?Horses should also be kept away from flowering and fruiting trees that are attractive to bats. Do not place feed and water under trees and cover feed and water containers with a shelter so they cannot be contaminated from above.?
    If your horse is unwell, keep people and other animals away from the horse and call your private veterinarian immediately.
    If your vet is unavailable you can call a District Veterinarian with the Local Land Services or the Animal Biosecurity Emergency Hotline on 1800 675 888.
    Find out more information about Hendra.
    Media contact: Lyndall Hilder (02) 6391 3686
    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

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