Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in horses/exposure in people

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in horses/exposure in people

Queensland:

Hendra virus update: 83 horses being monitoredNews release | 18 July, 2011


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Biosecurity Queensland continues to manage the testing and monitoring of 83 horses potentially exposed to Hendra virus in six locations throughout the state.

Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said it would take three rounds of negative test results to clear each property of Hendra virus infection.

"We will then release the quarantine. This takes around 35 days from the time the property was quarantined," Dr Symons said.

"In total, about 250 tests will need to be run to clear all of these animals.

"No test results from the horses we are currently monitoring have returned as positive and none of these animals is currently showing any clinical signs of Hendra virus infection.

...

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/30_20655.htm

New South Wales:
Hendra virus causes fourth horse death on NSW north coast
17 Jul 2011
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has confirmed Hendra virus as the cause of a fourth horse death on the NSW North Coast, this time at a property near Lismore.

?One property has been placed in quarantine and the dead horse has been buried,? NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ian Roth said.

?There is one other horse on the quarantined property which is currently showing no signs of illness.?

Dr Roth said the horse was reported as dying suddenly in the paddock on Thursday and a local Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) veterinarian took a blood sample from the horse on Thursday evening.

?The sample was sent to DPI?s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute for laboratory analysis and results confirmed the Hendra virus last night,? Dr Roth said.

?Horse movements on and off the property are being checked by veterinary staff.?

The Lismore area property was the third in NSW affected by Hendra virus after properties at Wollongbar and Macksville were quarantined earlier in the month.

In NSW there are now four horse deaths to Hendra virus ? two on one property near Wollongbar and single horse deaths on properties near Macksville and Lismore.

Dr Roth said there were no links to the Wollongbar or Macksville properties or the recent Hendra outbreaks in Queensland.

?Once again the horse had been in a paddock containing a fig tree, so it is likely that flying foxes were the source of infection,? he said.

?Hendra virus can spread from flying foxes to horses and, rarely, from horses to people.?

...

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/n...ews-releases/hendra-causes-fourth-horse-death

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in horses/exposure in people

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in horses/exposure in people

Queensland:

Biosecurity Queensland adds Logan result to confirmed Hendra cases News release | 22 July, 2011


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A horse that died in the Logan area last month has been confirmed as having been infected with Hendra virus after a series of tests undertaken by the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong.

Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said the horse died on 28 June at a property in the Logan Area.

"Initial test results from samples taken from the horse were negative for Hendra virus. Samples were then sent to AAHL for further testing for a cause of death.

"AAHL conducted a series of further tests and found that the horse had antibodies to Hendra virus.

"This further testing showed the horse had extremely low levels of Hendra virus in its blood at the time it was sampled. This, together with the level of antibodies, suggests that the horse may have had a previous Hendra virus infection and had developed some antibodies."

Dr Symons said there were no other horses on the property.

"There is no need to quarantine the property, but it has now been added to the list of current cases in Queensland taking the total to seven this year - nine horses have died.

"The number of horses currently being monitored on quarantined properties remains unchanged at 83."

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said six people had been identified as having had contact with this infected horse. All had low to negligible risk of getting infected and all have had initial blood testing done.

Dr Young said Queensland Health had also started to receive results back from the second round of testing of people at the Beaudesert properties - to date all have been negative.

"It should be noted that these people had very low risk of being infected with Hendra virus and this is a very pleasing result," she said.

"With all our knowledge to date, this puts these people in the clear but we are still recommending a third round of testing for these people.

"Queensland Health will continue to monitor and assess all identified contacts.

"We continue to have a number of staff working on the Hendra response, including public health officials, testing staff and medical staff.

"Staff are also available to assist anyone with concerns via 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and mental health staff are on standby to provide any counselling or support."

For more information about Hendra virus contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook.


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Media contact: Biosecurity Queensland - 3405 6996 or 0439 875 593, Queensland Health - 3234 1439,


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[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in horses/exposure in people

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in horses/exposure in people

Queensland:

Hendra virus case confirmed in Chinchilla area News release | 24 July, 2011


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Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed a Hendra case on a property in the Chinchilla area.

Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Jim Thompson said Biosecurity Queensland officers were on site quarantining the property.

"The infected horse had shown rapid onset of illness that was typical of Hendra virus and died in the care of a private practitioner on Friday." Dr Thompson said.

"We understand there are four other horses on the property but full tracing is also being undertaken to locate any other horses that may have been in contact with the infected horse.

"Biosecurity Queensland and Queensland Health staff will be on the ground doorknocking neighbours to gather information on their animals and provide them with information about Hendra virus.

"The property is being quarantined to restrict the movement of horses on and off. Each of the four remaining horses on the property will be sampled and undergo three rounds of testing before they are cleared - this is typically 30 to 35 days."

Queensland Health, key horse industry groups and the Australian Veterinary Association have been notified of this latest case.

Queensland Health Chief Health officer Dr Jeannette Young said staff were on the property today to assess the situation and whether any testing or treatment is required.

Queensland Health staff will continue to undertake contact tracing work to ensure all people potentially exposed to the sick horse have been identified.

Queensland Health stands ready to provide any assistance, counselling, information, testing or treatment that may be required.

Dr Thompson said this Hendra virus infection was the furthest west that a Hendra case had been recorded.
"This highlights the need for horse owners across the state to be vigilant for signs consistent with Hendra virus infection.

"Hendra virus is not highly infectious and, consequently, the horse industry is not subject to movement restrictions for Hendra virus - except for the properties currently under quarantine.

"However, horse owners need to take precautions on their properties to protect their horses from Hendra virus infection.

"For example, owners could remove horse feed and water containers from under trees and, if possible, place them under a shelter.

"Remove horses from paddocks where flowering/fruiting trees are attracting flying foxes and return horses only after the trees have stopped flowering/fruiting and the flying foxes have left.

"Owners should also consider fencing off access to trees that are identified as attractive to flying foxes."

Hendra in Queensland snapshot as at 24 July 2011:

■Locations with confirmed cases - Beaudesert, Mt Alford, Park Ridge, Kuranda, Hervey Bay, Boondall, Logan, Chinchilla
■Horse deaths - 10
■Horses being monitored - 83 plus 4 horses at this stage at Chinchilla
■People being tested - 57, not including Chinchilla cases yet to be confirmed.
Up-to-date information on Hendra virus is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or phone 13 25 23.


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http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/30_20678.htm

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in horses/exposure in people

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in horses/exposure in people

Queensland:

Hendra virus infection confirmed in a dog News release | 26 July, 2011


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The Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong has confirmed that a dog has tested positive for Hendra virus.

Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rick Symons said this was an unprecedented situation.

"This is the first time outside of a laboratory that an animal other than a flying fox or a horse, or a human, has been confirmed with Hendra virus infection," Dr Symons said.

"The dog is on a property where Hendra virus infection has been confirmed and is currently under quarantine.

"Biosecurity Queensland?s policy is to test cats and dogs on properties where there are infected horses.

"In this case, the dog returned two negative results for the presence of the virus but a different type of test conducted at AAHL has confirmed the presence of antibodies.

"This means that at some point the dog has been exposed to the virus but to our knowledge has shown no signs of illness."

Dr Symons said this case raised many questions for biosecurity and health officials and researchers.

"We don't know how the dog contracted the virus or when it happened," he said.

"Based on our knowledge to date, it is most likely that the dog caught the virus from an infected horse.


"The remaining horses and dogs on this property are still being monitored daily and show no signs of illness.

"Biosecurity Queensland has tested other cats and dogs on the eleven properties currently under quarantine in Queensland and has received no other positive results.

"We recommend that people keep dogs and cats away from sick horses to reduce the risk of such an infection happening."

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said Queensland Health would today speak with the property owners to assess if there were any further people who may have had contact with the infected dog.

"We will continue to monitor the property owners and all previously identified contacts for infected horses on this property," Dr Young said.

"While we have not seen Hendra virus in a dog before, I believe there is a minimal risk of infection to humans from this animal. For a human to become infected, they would have had to have significant contact with bodily secretions (saliva and/or blood) that contain the Hendra virus."

Dr Young said Queensland Health continued to have a number of staff working on the Hendra response, including public health officials, medical and testing staff.

"Staff are also available to assist anyone with concerns via 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), and mental health staff are on standby to provide counselling or support," she said.

Up-to-date information on Hendra virus is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or phone 13 25 23.


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Media contact: , Biosecurity Queensland - 07 3405 6996; Queensland Health - 07 3234 1439


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http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/30_20717.htm

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Source: http://theconversation.edu.au/dog-hendra-case-requires-fresh-research-into-risks-csiro-2528

6 July 2011, 10.15pm AEST
Dog Hendra case requires fresh research into risks: CSIRO

In a world first, a dog has tested positive to the lethal Hendra virus, prompting the CSIRO to call for fresh research into the risk it could spread from canines to humans.

Hendra virus, which is usually spread from flying foxes to horses and, on rare occasion, to humans, causing a viral pneumonia or encephalitis.

Of the seven people ever known to be infected, four have died, making Hendra virus one of the most dangerous viruses in the world.

The dog that tested positive to the disease was found on a property in Queensland where Hendra virus infection had already been confirmed and is currently under quarantine...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Source: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-new...rom-hendra-virus/story-e6frfku0-1226103321385

Fifth NSW horse dies from Hendra virus

* From: AAP
* July 28, 2011 11:50AM

A FIFTH horse has died from the Hendra virus in NSW, the state's chief veterinary officer says.

The horse died at a property near Mullumbimby on the NSW north coast, the Department of Primary Industries confirmed today.

Four other horses on the quarantined property are considered at risk, NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said.

It brings to 15 the number of horses infected with Hendra that have died or been put down since June 20 this year - 10 in Queensland and five in NSW.

A horse in another paddock was showing signs of illness but has initially tested negative for Hendra, Mr Roth said.

The other horses were currently showing no signs of illness.

Three cats and dogs on the property will also be assessed, Mr Roth said...

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

New South Wales:

Fifth Hendra case confirmed at Mullumbimby
28 Jul 2011
A fifth horse has died from Hendra virus on the NSW North Coast, this time at a property near Mullumbimby, NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) confirmed today.

?The property has been quarantined and movement restrictions are in place for all horses and companion animals, including cats and dogs,? NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said.

?There are eight other horses on the quarantined property of which four are considered at risk. A horse in a separate paddock is showing signs of illness but has been initially tested negative for Hendra. The others are currently showing no signs of illness.

?There are three cats and two dogs on the property ? all will be assessed in line with NSW DPI?s policy for companion animals.?

Mr Roth said the horse was not noticeably ill on Saturday but found dead in the paddock on Sunday morning.

?A veterinarian took a swab from the dead horse and sent the sample to NSW DPI?s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute for laboratory analysis ? results confirmed the Hendra virus last night.?

Mr Roth said the Mullumbimby area property was the fourth in NSW affected by Hendra virus after properties at Wollongbar, Macksville and Lismore were quarantined earlier in the month.

?It is likely that flying foxes in fig trees were again the source of infection,? Mr Roth said.

?Hendra virus can spread from flying foxes to horses and, rarely, from horses to people, and just once in Queensland from horses to a dog.?

Hendra in NSW snapshot (since 30/6/2011):

4 properties have been confirmed positive for the Hendra virus
87 properties have been confirmed as negative for the Hendra virus, with further confirmatory antibody testing still underway on some properties
Awaiting results for 2 samples.
More information on the Hendra virus is available at: www.agriculture.nsw.gov.au/info/hendra

Media contact:
NSW DPI Media Unit: 02 6391 3686 or 0427 192 658
NSW HEALTH Media Unit: 02 9391 9121 (After Hours: 02 9962 9890)

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/n...ews-releases/fifth-hendra-case-at-mullumbimby

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Source: http://www.coastaltimes.com.au/news...ats-now-carry-hendra-researchers/2240647.aspx

Nearly a third of bats now carry Hendra: researchers
TONY MOORE
28 Jul, 2011 03:00 AM

Almost one third of Queensland's bats are now infected with the Hendra virus, more than four times the normal rate, new tests reveal.

Based on research on infected bat populations earlier this year, Biosecurity Queensland last night confirmed the rate of Hendra virus infection has quadrupled.

Biosecurity Queensland bat expert Dr Hume Field said the summer floods and cyclones had increased the number of malnourished bats, putting them at risk of becoming infected...

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Almost one third of Queensland's bats are now infected with the Hendra virus, more than four times the normal rate, new tests reveal.

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Hendra outbreak a rain-spawned 'aberration'


TONY MOORE
27 Jul, 2011 11:48 AM


Record-breaking rain over summer has left flying foxes undernourished, with weakened immune systems and a higher amount of Hendra virus in their bodies.

Biosecurity Queensland principal veterinary epidemiologist Hume Field, who played a key role in identifying fruit bats as the natural host of the Hendra virus, said he believed the rain was the reason for the increase in virus cases in 2011.

Dr Field said it was likely the spike in Hendra virus cases this year was a change in flowering patterns of trees since the heavy rainfall from November 2010 to February 2011.

"There is indications that the extensive rainfall last year has disrupted flowering this year, the trees are putting their growth into leaves, rather than flowering," he said.

"That is causing flying foxes to range far and wide in small groups trying to find food.

"That then has the the potential to impact on their immune system to fight off the infection and is likely that the infection in flying foxes is higher this year than in previous years."

Dr Field said the lack of proper food impacted the size of flying fox populations.

"What we are seeing this year is very fragmented flying fox populations, flying foxes that are undernourished," he said.

Dr Hume suspected 2011 was "an aberration", but said studies over time would have to be completed.

However, he ruled out culling as a short-term solution that was "doomed to failure".

"I think culling is not an option," Dr Field said.

"Firstly, flying foxes are not sedentary, they are nomadic, they are a migratory species.

"To suggest a local cull to remove animals from a particular area is doomed to failure because other animals will simply migrate into the space that is left if you like."

Dr Field said the only way culling could be effective was to remove the entire population of flying foxes from Australia.

"Apart from being ethically unacceptable, it would have major biodiversity impacts and unknown impacts," he said.

"So I would seriously suggest that it is not an option."

Dr Hume said the best source of protection was increasing research and by property owners being safe around sick horses and bat populations.
Queensland's chief health officer Jeannette Young said there were 64 people under observation with "low or negligible" symptoms after coming into contact with Hendra virus. :tiphat:http://www.melbournetimesweekly.com...utbreak-a-rainspawned-aberration/2239881.aspx

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Newman stands by Hendra bats stance

Updated: 09:44, Friday July 29, 2011

Queensland's Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman says science is yet to prove whether moving on bats will spread Hendra virus.
The bat-borne virus has killed 15 horses in Queensland and NSW since June 20 and has jumped species for the first time, infecting a dog.
Mr Newman and Premier Anna Bligh are at loggerheads on how to manage colonies of flying foxes in areas where Hendra has been confirmed.
The LNP leader wants to use smoke bombs and choppers to evict urban bat colonies and then chop down the trees they roost in.
But Ms Bligh said scientists have repeatedly warned that causing stress to bats by moving them on or trying to cull them will help spread the virus because they would start excreting more.
Ms Bligh invited Mr Newman to a briefing on Thursday with the state's chief veterinary officer, the chief medical officer and the head of Bio-Security Queensland to turn his opinion around.
A spokesperson for Mr Newman said the meeting was inconclusive.
'The experts indicated clearly that they didn't know if moving bats and/or stressing them would increase the risk of Hendra,' the spokesperson said in a statement.
Following the meeting, a spokesperson for chief medical officer Jeannette Young told AAP that although they don't know with '100 per cent certainty ... there is evidence that stress can lead directly to increases in Hendra virus infection and shedding'.
Ms Bligh said the issue was so serious it should not be used for political point-scoring.
'I'm very disappointed to see my opponent making comments that are nothing short of shooting from the hip,' she told reporters on Thursday.
Despite Ms Bligh's warnings regarding moving colonies, councils and land holders can still apply for government permits to chase out problem bats using smoke machines, lights and foghorns.
Extended three-year permits were announced on Saturday, if councils show they're also taking steps to ensure problem colonies don't move back in.
Ms Bligh said authorities measured a number of factors when deciding whether to issue the permits on a case-by-case basis.
'If, for example, they were in a location that might contaminate water supply, then the public interest in moving them may well outweigh some of the other concerns about moving them,' she said.
'Every time they get an application they weigh the risks against the benefits.
'Obviously the risks in relation to the current outbreak of Hendra virus have escalated and that would lift that as a risk factor in their consideration.'
Australian Veterinary Association president Barry Smyth said it was clear bat colonies were already under stress, resulting in a much higher incidence of Hendra in bat populations.
'We do know it's three to six times what we've measured in the past,' Dr Smyth told AAP.
'The higher level of the virus increases the infective pressure in the environment, and that's probably at least in part the cause of the number of cases we're seeing at the moment, and also the geographic spread.
'There is some sort of stressing situation going on already in the bat population and any additional stress is likely to make the situation worse.'
But Dr Smyth stopped short of calling for a moratorium on move-on permits, saying cases had to be assessed individually.:tiphat:http://www.skynews.com.au/national/article.aspx?id=643937&vId=

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

...Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said yesterday scientists had confirmed a national policy to euthanase animals infected with the virus, despite the family's protests that the kelpie was healthy.
She slammed Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman over his call to move flying fox populations with smoke bombs or noises, saying the issue was too serious to be used as a "political football".
"The wholesale moving on of bats would do little more than spread Hendra virus more quickly and more widely," Ms Bligh said. "We will not be doing the moving on of bats . . . I want to make it absolutely clear that the Queensland government will respond to the outbreak of Hendra virus on the basis of the best-informed science that we can access."
Permits that allowed councils to move flying foxes were used for human health reasons, not for the Hendra virus, Ms Bligh said.:tiphat:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226103789085
<!-- google_ad_section_end(name=story_body) -->

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Hendra horse death takes toll to 15


BY LEMA SAMANDAR
29 Jul, 2011 04:00 AM
More people are being tested for the Hendra virus after the rapidly spreading infection claimed a fifth horse in NSW, taking the national toll to 15.
The horse died at a property near Mullumbimby on the NSW North Coast, the Department of Primary Industries confirmed yesterday. Four other horses along with three cats and two dogs on the property will be assessed on the quarantined property.
A NSW health spokesman said three people had been exposed to the virus in the most recent incident.
''Despite the negligible exposure, the three people are having blood tests,'' he said. ''Fifteen [other] people previously identified as having potential contacts to the previous infected horses in NSW are now past the incubation period.
''Six people from this group have had precautionary blood tests to check for unrecognised infection.''
However, he said none of the individuals had developed any symptoms associated with the virus, which typically develop between five and 16 days after their contact with an infectious horse.
In the latest fatality in NSW, the state's Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said the horse was not noticeably ill on Saturday but was found dead in the paddock on Sunday morning.
A swab was taken from the dead horse and sent to a lab, which confirmed the presence of the virus on Wednesday night.
''It is likely that flying foxes in fig trees were again the source of infection,'' Mr Roth said.

Indonesia has temporarily banned the import of horses from Australia due to the outbreak. Malaysia has also banned Australian horses. :tiphat:http://www.canberratimes.com.au/new...dra-horse-death-takes-toll-to-15/2242095.aspx

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Dusty, the Hendra dog, put down

JESSICA MARSZALEK
01 Aug, 2011 08:51 AM

Dusty the dog has been put down after the family received results of more testing that confirmed he could infect others with the potentially fatal Hendra virus.

The two-year-old kelpie became the first dog outside controlled laboratory experiments known to have contracted the bat-borne virus when he tested positive to Hendra antibodies last week.

Although appearing healthy, testing indicated the dog had contracted the virus at some stage but overcame it.

More...
http://www.maroondahweekly.com.au/n...al/dusty-the-hendra-dog-put-down/2243730.aspx

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Via ProMed;

...
[1] Re: ProMED-mail Hendra virus, equine - Australia (19): (QLD)
canine 20110728.2267
Date: Thu 28 Jul 2011
From: Caroline Reed <Caroline.Reed@healthscope.com.au> [edited]


You have had one sensible email about this dog, asking how valid is
the antibody test that has come up positive.

Serology testing in humans is notoriously unreliable, with low
specificity and sensitivity, and cross-reactions very real and
everyday occurrences.

Without knowing how long this test has been available, and how well
validated it has been with known positive and negative serum samples
(of which there can't be many positives), it is impossible to say what
this result means.

I have spent more than 30 years in human pathology, and the
interpretation of serology results is extremely difficult.

It would be very sad indeed to have this well and fit dog euthanised
on the basis of one possibly dodgy serology result.

The more critical results are the antigen results on the dog's saliva
(presumably by PCR or NAAT [nucleic acid amplification tests]?) which
are far more sensitive (and hopefully more specific) and a real
indication of infectivity.

--
Dr Caroline Reed MBBS FRCPath FRCPA
Pathologist - Medical Microbiologist
Healthscope Pathology
1868 Dandenong Road
Clayton
Australia

[2] Re: ProMED-mail Hendra virus, equine - Australia (19): (QLD)
canine 20110728.2267
Date: Thu 28 Jul 2011
From: Jane Sykes <jesykes@ucdavis.edu> [edited]


The situation in regards to the dog with Hendra virus infection is
fascinating and highlights problems relating to the absolute
sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of diagnostic
assays for zoonotic infectious disease. I appreciated the most recent
posting, including the message from David Thompson, that highlighted
issues relating to the humanity of euthanizing this dog or using the
dog for research purposes.

The popular media reports that describe the situation have too often
been misleading, because by saying the dog "tested positive for Hendra
virus" without further qualification of the nature and meaning of the
tests performed, they have implied that the dog was actively infected
with the virus and is therefore a real public health risk. It was
stated all too hastily in initial reports in the public media that the
recommendations were to euthanize the dog. Further consideration and
discussion is required in regards to the humanity of euthanizing an
apparently healthy dog that is someone's loved pet on the basis of a
single positive antibody test.

In my opinion, quarantine at this time and repeated investigation of
this dog's true antibody status and the possibility of virus shedding
seem like a more appropriate road to take.--

Jane Sykes BVSc(Hons) PhD DACVIM
Professor of Small Animal Medicine, University of California, Davis
USA
President, International Society for Companion Animal Infectious
Diseases
<jesykes@ucdavis.edu>

[The question of test validation and sensitivity is a huge issue.
Furthermore, ProMED-mail reported yesterday (27 Jul 2011, archive no
20110727.2257) on information from 1994 indicating that dogs did not
shed virus and were not at risk of shedding virus.

How exceptionally sad that fear rules the day and the regulatory
authorities are so consumed by fear that they refuse to look at the
science already done. Then they think that taking millions of dollars
to solve a problem is great. Why not look at what has already been
done?

Why not learn from the animal? Study his behaviour, develop accurate
test, and determine if he can pass the virus to ferrets who are
apparently quite sensitive. Why put him in a different quarantine
site? The entire premises is already quarantined. So many questions,
and better alternatives than euthanasia.

We hope the regulatory authorities will listen to the previous
research and exercise some intelligent discretion, not just fear.
Until there is new information, we appreciate your comments but will
hold on posting until there is new information. - Mod.TG]

...
http://promedmail.org/pls/apex/f?p=..._BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1010,89535

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Via ProMed;

...

[2]
Date: Mon 1 Aug 2011 From: Mark Schipp [edited]

There is no doubt that the dog in question had been infected by Hendra virus. This was established through CSIRO's [Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation] Australian Animal Health Laboratory, based on serology on repeat samples (both VNT (virus neutralization test) and ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). This laboratory is the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Reference Laboratory for Hendra and Nipah virus diseases.

It was on this basis that Australia notified the finding to OIE on 27 Jul 2011 and your readers can refer to this link for details: http://web.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=10833

Australia's State, Territory, and Commonwealth chief veterinary officers agreed with this finding.

Although it is very unfortunate that a family pet had to be euthanised, it has been national policy for some years that all terrestrial animals that have evidence of infection with Hendra virus (such as through antibodies) are destroyed. Australia's State, Territory, and Commonwealth chief veterinary officers were consulted and confirmed that this policy should apply to this dog.

This policy is necessary at this time because there is clear evidence from Hendra virus, and the related Nipah virus, that animals and people that survive infection can go on to develop disease weeks or months later and potentially pose a risk to people at that time. As rightly pointed out by Dr David Thompson in a recent ProMED-mail posting, if this dog were to have been kept alive it would have had to be confined under extremely strict, long-term biosecurity conditions. This would not be desirable for the dog's welfare.

In 2008, AAHL [Australian Animal Health Laboratory] scientists euthanised and conducted a detailed post mortem examination on a horse that had recovered from infection with Hendra virus, providing invaluable scientific data. It was hoped that similar investigations with this dog would add to our scientific knowledge. In this case the owners of the dog did not give permission for a necropsy.

Australian scientists are continuing their investigations into the possible drivers for the unprecedented number of outbreaks of Hendra virus in horses in Queensland and north east New South Wales in 2011. Australian governments have recently announced AUD 12 million [approx USD 13 million] of new funding to undertake research into Hendra virus and further minimise the risk this virus poses to animals and people.

-- Mark Schipp Australian Chief Veterinary Officer (Acting)
[While there is much misunderstanding about Hendra virus, there is even more that is misunderstood about Dusty, the dog that tested positive for Hendra virus antibody.

Australia's one biosecurity containment lab did work with dogs in 1994 and found that dogs do not shed the virus in saliva. However, in 1994, a human who seroconverted, relapsed 13 months later with a clinical event leading to death.

Fear is still very much prevalent, but, on the basis of the seroconverted human who died, it was agreed that seropositive animals should be euthanized.
Last year [2010]

http://beta.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20110802.2324

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Quarantine lifted at two properties News release | 02 August, 2011


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two properties in the Beaudesert area have had their Hendra virus quarantine removed - the first since this year?s Hendra virus incidents began in June.

Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rick Symons said with the lifting of the quarantine on two properties at Kerry, they now reverted to their pre-quarantine status and no longer faced any Hendra virus-related restrictions.

"Like all horse owners, the property owners will still need to remain vigilant about the health of their horses," Dr Symons said.

"Quarantine restrictions are only lifted after the completion three rounds of testing over a 32-day period, with all tests results returning negative results for Hendra virus.

"One remaining property in Beaudesert remains under quarantine as this 32 day period with clear test results has not yet elapsed."

Biosecurity Queensland is still monitoring animals on properties at Beaudesert, Boonah, Park Ridge, Kuranda, Hervey Bay, Boondall and Chinchilla.

The number of horses now being monitored daily by Biosecurity Queensland stands at 81.

For more information about Hendra virus, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, visit http://www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au/ or Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook.


http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/30_20739.htm

 

[mixin]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

From ProMed:
Date: Thu 11 Aug 2011
From: Robert Boughton <rhboughton@gmail.com> [edited]


The current Hendra outbreak in Queensland and northern NSW maintains the puzzle of why horses further south have not been infected despite the presence of serologically positive fruit bats all the way to Victoria.

Large populations of bats and horses in close proximity exist all the way down the east coast of Australia.

To my mind there must be one or several environmental factors influencing this situation. Perhaps an as yet unidentified vector, such as ticks or biting flies, or midges, is involved or perhaps climatic conditions may come to bear. Queensland and northern NSW are tropical/sub-tropical climates whilst further south the climate is temperate.

Nipah virus outbreaks seem to follow the same climatic distribution. Stephen Barker (University of Queensland) proposed a possible scenario for tick-bat horse interaction that bears further investigation (Medical Hypotheses 2003; 60(4): 481-3; abstract available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12615503 .

One avenue of investigation would be to establish an east coast surveillance of _Pteropus_ sp, equine, canine, and feline Hendra serology as well as a mapping of tick populations and their hosts inorder to detect any overlap and hence potential for transmission.

Detection of virus in ticks or other vectors would be illuminating. If documented, this would raise the possibility of other native or domestic mammalian or marsupial species being infected with Hendra virus.

The possibility of latent carrier status in domestic animals is also of concern and should perhaps be investigated. Endemic infection of feral dogs, foxes, cats, etc would be another serious concern. All in all this virus is a fascinating opportunity to study an emerging infectious disease and the protean factors that facilitate these occurrences and to also provide us with measures to prevent or mitigate such outbreaks.

--
Robert Boughton
Department of Anaesthesia
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital,
Camperdown, New South Wales
Australia
<rhboughton@gmail.com>

[What an excellent observation of climate and virus movement. This comment highlights much of the unknown about this very interesting virus and the potential implications with this virus. - Mod.TG]

http://www.promedmail.org/pls/otn/f..._BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,89754

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-17/ballina-horse-dies-from-hendra-virus/2843230

Ballina horse dies from Hendra virus
Updated August 17, 2011 11:42:22

Another horse has died from the hendra virus on the New South Wales north coast.

The Department of Primary Industries says the property near Ballina is now in quarantine and two other horses are being monitored.

The property is the fifth in NSW affected by hendra virus so far this year.

The senior vet with the Department of Primary Industries, Ian Roth, says the horse had to be euthanased.

"The horse would have died anyway. It was sick on Sunday, it deteriorated badly on Monday, it was euthanased, we got the result late yesterday back from the lab," he said.

Sixteen horses infected with hendra have died or been put down since June 20 this year - 10 in Queensland and six in New South Wales - and more than 60 people are being tested...

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Australia: 2011 Hendra virus cases in dogs/horses/exposure in people

Sixth Hendra case confirmed at Ballina
17 Aug 2011
A sixth horse has died from Hendra virus at a property near Ballina, on the NSW North Coast, NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) confirmed today.

?The property has been quarantined and the infected horse has been euthanised and buried on the property,? NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ian Roth said.

?There are two other at risk horses on the quarantined property, both of which are currently showing no signs of illness.

?These horses will be closely monitored and following an initial test, further laboratory testing will be carried out 16 and 32 days following the last contact with the infected horse.?

Dr Roth said the horse was noticeably ill late on Sunday and deteriorated rapidly during the night and into Monday.

?A private veterinarian took blood and swabs from the sick horse and sent the sample to NSW DPI?s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute for laboratory analysis ? results confirmed the Hendra virus last night,? he said.

Dr Roth said the Ballina area property was the fifth in NSW affected by Hendra virus after properties at Wollongbar, Macksville, Lismore and Mullumbimby were quarantined last month.

?Hendra virus can spread from flying foxes to horses and, rarely, from horses to people, and just once in Queensland from horses to a dog.?

Hendra in NSW snapshot (since 30/6/2011):

5 properties have been confirmed positive for the Hendra virus
150 properties have been confirmed as negative for the Hendra virus, with further confirmatory antibody testing still underway on some properties
Awaiting results for 5 samples. More information on the Hendra virus is available at: www.agriculture.nsw.gov.au/info/hendra
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/n...leases/sixth-hendra-case-confirmed-at-ballina