Mackay records positive case of Hendra virus
Racing industry officials have spoken after the first case of the deadly Hendra virus was detected in a horse in Far North Queensland in five years.
Mackay
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The Queensland racing industry looks to have dodged a recent Hendra virus outbreak in North Queensland, however it has delivered a timely warning to participants as to its potentially catastrophic impacts.
The first positive case of the Hendra virus in Queensland in five years was confirmed on Saturday after a horse in the Mackay area fell victim and had to be euthanised on the property.
Biosecurity Queensland is working to contain the outbreak, the first case recorded since May 2017.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said the horse’s condition had rapidly deteriorated.
“Tracing and risk assessments have been undertaken on other animals on the property,” Dr Crook said.
“We are working with the property and horse owners to ensure the risk is contained on the property.
“We are also working with Queensland Health’s public health experts to determine if any humans had contact with the infected horse and stand ready to provide any assistance, counselling, information, testing or treatment that may be required.”
Racing Queensland confirmed the outbreak did not involve any racehorses, but it reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the industry protected from the deadly virus that has brought participants to their knees in the past.
“This Mackay outbreak highlights the importance of horse owners and vets remaining vigilant,” a Racing Queensland spokesman said.
“Vaccination of horses is the most effective way to help manage Hendra virus disease and a registered vaccine is available to help prevent Hendra virus disease in horses.
“Hendra virus infection has potentially serious health implications for both humans and horses.”
The infected horse had not been vaccinated and Dr Crook encouraged owners to ensure shots were up to date.
She said it was the most effective way to manage the disease.
If a horse does become sick, she said a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
The virus mainly infects large fruit bats, but is highly fatal in horses and humans.
The first known case of the Hendra virus in horses was recorded in 1994.
Since then, it has affected more than seven humans, leading to four deaths.
The last human death came in August 2009, from a veterinarian near Rockhampton.
NSW had a confirmed case in October last year at a property near Newcastle.
Griffith University researchers recently detected the deadly new strain of the virus from urine samples of the bats from across South East Queensland and NSW.
Dr Crook suggested it was important people remembered to practise good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures when around horses.
More information on the prevention of Hendra virus or biosecurity steps in an incident is available at www.business.qld.gov.au or by phoning 13 25 23.
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