State Parliament has agreed to hold an inquiry into the approval of the Hendra virus vaccine.
The follows reports of adverse effects, and decisions veterinarians are making in relation to attending unvaccinated horses.
The inquiry will be undertaken by the Agriculture and Environment Committee.
According to Zoetis, manufacturers of the Hendra virus vaccine, since 2012, more than 415,000 doses have been administered to horses around Australia.
A Biosecurity Queensland spokesman said the inquiry would consider evidence about the safety of the vaccine and its cost and effectiveness, as well as the risks of the Hendra virus to those who may come in contact with horses.
The Terms of Reference that will guide the Committee’s inquiry include:
- The development, trials and approval processes of the Hendra virus vaccine; the incidence and impact of adverse reactions by horses following vaccination; and the reporting of adverse reactions and economic impacts of the vaccine;
- Who bears the risks of Hendra virus infection and who incurs the costs and receives the benefits from each risk mitigation option;
- Whether the procedures required for veterinarians attending horses that are not vaccinated against the Hendra virus are proportionate to the consequences; and
- Impacts on the equine industry and the economy arising from veterinarians applying a policy not to treat unvaccinated horses; and the impact of Workplace Health and Safety actions on the decision by veterinarians not to attend unvaccinated horses and results of previous Workplace Health and Safety HeV investigations where there have been human infections.
The Committee will invite public submissions and consult with stakeholders.
It will also seek evidence from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
A report will be due back to the Legislative Assembly by August 22, 2016.
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