Deadly Hendra virus confirmed in state for first time since 2022

By Andrew Hedgman

A deadly animal-borne virus that can also infect humans has resurfaced in South East Queensland, with authorities confirming the state’s first case of Hendra virus since 2022.

An unvaccinated horse died on a property last week after rapidly deteriorating, with tests later confirming it had contracted the highly infectious virus.

Biosecurity Queensland and Queensland Health are now working to manage the risk to humans and other animals.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries released a statement on Sunday confirming the incident.

Biosecurity Queensland acting chief veterinary officer Fiona Thompson said staff were working closely with the horse owner to ensure the risk was contained on the property.

“Unfortunately, in this case, the deceased horse had not been vaccinated for Hendra virus,” Dr Thompson said.

Dr Thompson said the property was under active surveillance, and health authorities had already assessed potential exposure to other animals and people.

“Tracing and exposure assessments have been undertaken on other horses and animals on the property,” she said.

“We are also working with Queensland Health in relation to humans who may have had contact with the infected horse so their experts can manage the health of people involved.”

Queensland chief health officer Heidi Carroll confirmed that public health staff had already contacted those believed to have been exposed.

“While the Hendra virus can spread from horses to people, it is rare,” Dr Carroll said.

“We know from past cases of Hendra virus infection in horses that most people exposed remain well and don’t contract the infection.

“People who are assessed as having a high level of exposure to the infected horse will undergo prioritised testing for the virus.”

Racing Queensland also released a statement, encouraging owners to vaccinate their horses.

“The horse involved was not a racehorse. The location of the property has not been disclosed at this time,” the statement read.

“Racing Queensland joins Biosecurity Queensland in encouraging owners to vaccinate their horses.”

Queensland Health also warned that horses could be infectious before showing signs of illness and urged people who worked with horses to maintain strict hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and covering wounds with waterproof dressings.

Hendra virus is spread from flying foxes to horses and can then be transmitted to dogs or humans. There is no vaccine for humans, and the disease has proven fatal in the past.

Since the virus was first identified in 1994, more than 90 horses are known to have been infected. All either died from the virus or were euthanised.

Seven people have contracted Hendra virus after close contact with infected horses, and four have died. The most recent fatal case occurred in 2009.

Dr Thompson urged horse owners to act quickly if their animal became sick.

“Hendra virus infection can occur throughout the year, so it’s important that horse owners and people in contact with horses take steps to protect themselves and their animals at all times,” she said.

“We’d urge them to continue to practise good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures, even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus.”

Dr Thompson also commended the vet involved for their quick action in managing the case and containing the risk.

Queensland Health said people infected with Hendra virus typically experienced flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain that can cause headaches, fever and drowsiness.

In horses, symptoms of the virus can vary but often include fever, increased heart rate and restlessness.

Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland president Mel Brennan has previously highlighted the critical role flying foxes play in maintaining local ecosystems.

“Without them, there is no native forest or koalas,” she said.

“If you don’t touch them, they’re not a risk.”

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