February 22, 2013
Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed that a horse has died of Hendra virus on a property in the North Queensland.
A positive result was received last night from the Tablelands area.
One horse died on the property after becoming unwell over the weekend.
Biosecurity Queensland is in the process of quarantining the property.
“There are other horses on the property and we will be working to determine what contact the infected horse had with these other animals,” a spokesman said.
“Testing and monitoring will then be undertaken over the next month.
“While under quarantine, restrictions will apply to moving horses and horse materials on and off the infected property.”
An initial assessment from Queensland Health’s Public Health Unit in Cairns has identified four people who had contact with the infected horse.
“Public health staff are now interviewing these people to determine whether any testing or treatment is required. All four people are thought to have had a low level of exposure to the infected horse,” the Biosecurity Queensland spokesman said.
“The transmission of the virus requires close contact with body fluids of the sick horse.
“There is no evidence the virus can be passed directly from flying foxes to humans, from the environment to humans, from humans to horses, or can be transmitted by airborne droplets.”
This is the second case of Hendra virus in Queensland this year.
Biosecurity Queensland said it was important for horse owners to take steps to protect themselves and their animals year round.
A Hendra virus vaccine for horses was now available and it was recommended that horse owners discuss with their veterinarian whether vaccinating their horses was appropriate.
