Hendra Virus Update 7 July 2011

BIOSECURITY BULLETIN
…important biosecurity updates for NSW
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
7 July 2011
Hendra virus confirmed at Macksville
A horse from a property near Macksville on the NSW Mid Coast was confirmed to be infected with Hendra
virus on 6 July 2011.
The dead horse and its companion were sampled by a government veterinarian. The second horse tested
negative for Hendra.
There is a fig tree in the mare’s paddock, but no known bat colonies nearby. Bats are seen occasionally.
The property has been placed in quarantine and is being managed by the Department of Primary
Industries and the Mid Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority. Staff from the Department are
continuing to work closely with NSW Health and government authorities in Queensland.
This incident is not linked to the other recent case in NSW and the recent cases in Queensland.
Restrictions are in place on the quarantined property and apply to the movement of horses and other
items onto and off the property. In addition to the companion horse, two other horses on the property are
being monitored.
The risk to neighbouring horses is being assessed.
Hendra virus at Wollongbar
The remaining horse on this property is being monitored on a daily basis. Two more rounds of testing for
Hendra virus must be conducted before the quarantine can be lifted.
If you suspect your horse has Hendra virus
If you are concerned that your horse has Hendra virus, contact your private veterinarian. They will assess
the horse and notify authorities if they suspect the horse is infected. If your vet is unavailable and the
horse is deteriorating rapidly, please phone the emergency animal disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
There is a legal responsibility to report suspected Hendra cases to the local Livestock Health and Pest
Authority, an inspector with the Department of Primary Industries, or the Emergency Animal Disease
Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Horse movements in NSW
Hendra virus is not highly infectious and, consequently, the NSW horse industry is not subject to
movement restrictions for Hendra virus – except for the properties under quarantine.
Hendra virus could potentially occur wherever there are fruit bats and horse owners should be vigilant for
signs consistent with Hendra virus infection.
Horse owners should practice good biosecurity, and not travel, work on or take unwell horses to other
properties or equestrian events.
CVO bulletin to the NSW Horse industry, Hendra update 7 July 2011
Reducing the risk to your horse
Horse owners can take the following steps to reduce the risk of horses becoming infected with Hendra
virus. This advice is based on our current understanding of the virus:
· Place horse water containers under cover and feed horses under cover.
· Do not place horse feed and water containers under trees, particularly if flying foxes are attracted
to those trees.
· If feed and water troughs must be placed in the shade of fruiting trees, consider building a cover
over them to prevent contamination from above.
· Do not use feed that might be attractive to flying foxes if they are known to be in the area. Fruit
and vegetables (e.g. apples, carrots) or anything sweet (e.g. molasses) may attract flying foxes.
· If possible, remove horses from paddocks when trees on which bats may feed are flowering. If this
is not possible, fence or tape off the area under flowering trees, Alternatively, stable horses at
high risk times when fruit bats are feeding or roosting in or around their paddocks.
· If it is not possible to remove horses from paddocks, try to temporarily remove your horses during
times of peak flying fox activity (usually at dusk and during the night).
Reducing the risk to yourself
Hendra can spread from an infected horse to a human even before the horse gets sick. Make it a rule at
your stable to always use good hygiene.
Handling well horses
Before handling any well horse:
· Cover any cuts and abrasions on exposed skin and wash hands well with soap and water, especially
after handling your horse’s mouth or nose (eg. Fitting or removing a bridle) and before eating, smoking
or touching your eyes, nose or mouth,
· Don’t kiss horses on the muzzle,
· Use personal protective equipment to protect yourself from the body fluids of horses.
Handling a sick horse
If your horse is sick:
· Protect your skin, eyes and mouth as much as possible and avoid touching body fluids of sick horses
(eg nasal discharge, saliva, blood, urine).
· If you are exposed to any body fluids, wash the area immediately using soap and water.
· Arrange for a vet to assess your horse ASAP.
· Do not allow anyone else to handle a sick horse (eg family members, farriers, horse dentists)
If you may have been exposed to an infected animal
If you think you have been exposed to an infected animal:
· Contact your doctor or NSW Public Health. Local offices are listed at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/
publichealth/Infectious/phus.asp
· A NSW Health Hendra Fact Sheet is available at: www.
health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/hendra.html
CVO bulletin to the NSW Horse industry, Hendra update 7 July 2011
Further information
Further information on Hendra including a new fact sheet (Hendra virus – Protecting you and your horse)
may be found at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/hendra-virus
Information on the current situation in Queensland may be found at

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_2900.htm.

Ian Roth
Chief Veterinary Officer NSW
© State of New South Wales through NSW Department Primary Industries 2011.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (7 July
2011). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely
is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of NSW Department Primary Industries or the
user’s independent adviser.

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