Hendra Virus Update, July 7 2011
There have now been five confirmed cases of Hendra virus infection in horses in Queensland (three cases) and New South Wales (two case) in the latest outbreak.
The people who were in contact with infected horses are in the care of Queensland Health and NSW Health officers. Biosecurity Queensland and NSW Primary Industries are working in the affected communities to provide information and advice to local residents and horse owners.
A Hendra case in a horse was confirmed near Wollongbar in New South Wales on Friday 1 July. A second confirmed case was reported on 7 July in Macksville on the mid-north coast. This is the southernmost case that has been reported.
Hendra virus could potentially occur wherever there are fruit bats.Thus even here on the South Coast the threat is real. Vets from IEC will be wearing protective clothing if they are called to a horse with any of the symptoms below...
Presentation of current Hendra cases
The initial presentation of some recent Hendra virus cases have included signs consistent with possible
colic including, depression, pyrexia, congested mucous membranes and collapse. Rapid deterioration
including neurological signs has been a feature of several cases.
Further information
Further information on Hendra including advice on sampling and information for clients may be found at:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/hendra-virus/vets
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/animal/info-vets and
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/hendra-virus
Contact your GP, local Emergency Department or local Public Health Unit if you have concerns about
possible exposure of people to a horse with Hendra virus infection.
Contact details for NSW Public Health
Units are available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/Infectious/phus.asp
Information on the current situation in Queensland may be found at
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_2900.htm.
