{"id":34789,"date":"2013-05-28T22:30:08","date_gmt":"2013-05-28T12:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=34789"},"modified":"2020-09-18T13:16:16","modified_gmt":"2020-09-18T03:16:16","slug":"horses-owners-urged-to-vaccinate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2013\/05\/28\/horses-owners-urged-to-vaccinate\/","title":{"rendered":"Horse Owners Urged To Vaccinate"},"content":{"rendered":"

May 28, 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Agriculture Minister John McVeigh has urged horse owners to protect themselves and their horses from Hendra virus ahead of the peak risk period for the virus.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m urging all horse owners to vaccinate as we head towards the peak winter risk period,\u201d Mr McVeigh said.<\/p>\n

\u201cVaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of Hendra infection.<\/p>\n

“Sadly, human infection and deaths have occurred from high-level exposure to body fluids from infected horses. By vaccinating, owners aren\u2019t just protecting their horses, they\u2019re also protecting themselves, their family and employees.<\/p>\n

\u201cI strongly advise horse owners to discuss vaccination with their vet.\u201d
\n<\/strong>
\nMr McVeigh said while recent data showed the vaccine offered protection for up to six months, people in contact with horses still needed to use common sense and follow hygiene practices.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hendra virus vaccine is only for Hendra virus and horses can carry other diseases. Anyone handling sick horses should take steps to protect themselves using appropriate personal protective equipment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Vaccine manufacturer Zoetis Australia joined the Minister in his call for increased vigilance and vaccination during the Hendra virus peak season.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis vaccine is crucial in breaking the Hendra virus cycle of transmission from flying foxes to horses and then to humans,\u201d Dr Stephanie Armstrong, from Zoetis Australia, said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy minimising the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses, we can all help protect Queensland horse owners, handlers, veterinarians and the broader community from this potentially fatal disease.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last year, the State Government implemented a $1 million personal protective equipment rebate program to support veterinarians when dealing with suspected Hendra virus cases.<\/p>\n

The program provides a rebate to Queensland vets on eligible equipment used when dealing with suspect horses.<\/p>\n