Horse owners urged to vaccinate their animals after bat tests positive in NT for Hendra virus

Top End horse owners are being urged to vaccinate their animals after a bat tested positive for Hendra virus.

NT Hendra virus warning

Top End horse owners are being urged to vaccinate their animals after a bat tested positive for Hendra virus.

Hendra virus is a viral infection that can affect horses, and in rare cases can spread from horses to humans.

There is no vaccine for humans against Hendra virus.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has confirmed the Northern Territory’s first detection of Hendra virus from a positive test result on 11 December.

DAF Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Sue Fitzpatrick, said the detection was not unexpected, as Little Red and Black Flying Fox bats are the natural host of the virus and over 20 per cent of bats have been exposed to the virus in the NT.

“This detection in a bat does not change the current level of risk to horses, pets or the community,” Dr Fitzpatrick said.

“It simply confirms the virus is present in the NT’s bat population, as it is in other parts of northern Australia. Further surveillance and sampling is now underway.”

Authorities are warning of risk of Hendra virus.

“We encourage horse owners to vaccinate their horses, particularly in areas where large bat populations are present.

“Everyone working with or around horses should continue practising good biosecurity and personal hygiene, even if horses are vaccinated. If a horse becomes unwell, contact your local veterinarian straight away.”

Because horses can shed the virus before appearing unwell, it is important for anyone handling horses to maintain routine hygiene practices such as:

• washing hands regularly with soap and water

• covering any open cuts with a waterproof dressing

• wearing personal protective equipment when exposure to horse body fluids is possible

• washing skin that contacts horse body fluids or manure.

For more information on Hendra virus and horse health, visit: nt.gov.au/industry/agriculture/livestock-and-animals/animal-health-and-diseases/hendra-virus-in-horses

Originally published as Horse owners urged to vaccinate their animals after bat tests positive in NT for Hendra virus