Hendra virus
Horse Owner Survey on Hendra virus
Thank you from NSW DPI and Biosecurity Queensland to participants in the Hendra virus survey. The survey has now closed. The results will be analysed and used to target areas of greatest need with information, and develop future Hendra virus risk management strategies, plans, and policies.
Current situation in NSW Jan 2012
In 2011 ten horses on eight properties died due to infection with Hendra virus. These cases occurred between June 30 and August 28. All properties affected were in north eastern NSW, in the localities of Wollongbar, Macksville, Lismore, Mullumbimby and Ballina.
All quarantines have now been lifted on previously infected properties following the completion of an extensive decontamination and testing program. Final testing of remaining horses and pets showed that all remained healthy.
Samples from the dead horses were sent to DPI’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute for laboratory analysis and results confirmed the Hendra virus. In all cases the infection could be traced to exposure to flying foxes in a paddock situation.
In most cases flying foxes were feeding on fruiting fig trees that were present in the paddock. In the remaining cases other flowering or fruiting trees were present.
While it is encouraging that no further cases have occurred in NSW since 28 August 2011 horse owners should remain vigilant and continue to take steps to minimise exposure of their horses. The presence of flowering and fruiting trees in or near the paddock demonstrates the importance of keeping horses out of paddocks in this period, when trees are most attractive to bats.
General information on Hendra virus
- Questions and Answers
- Questions and Answers - Domestic animals
- Hendra virus factsheet
- Queensland Horse Council factsheet: Property design (www.qldhorsecouncil.com)
- Queensland Horse Council factsheet: Bats and trees (www.qldhorsecouncil.com)
Information for event organisers
Information for vets
- Biosecurity Bulletin for Mullumbimby, Ballina and Lismore - 30 August 2011
20.5 KB - Biosecurity Bulletin for Mullumbimby, Ballina and Lismore - 18 August 2011 38.1 KB
- Biosecurity Bulletin for Ballina, Lismore and Mullumbimby - 17 August 2011 126.8 KB
- Biosecurity bulletin for companion animals, Mullumbimby, Lismore and Macksville - 28 July 2011 53.4 KB
- Biosecurity bulletin for Lismore, Wollongbar and Macksville - 17 July 2011 27.4 KB
- Hendra virus bulletin for Wollongbar and Macksville - 13 July 2011 48.3 KB
- Hendra virus confirmed at Macksville - 7 July 2011 29.5 KB
- CVO Bulletin Hendra virus update for veterinarians - 3 July 2011 35.8 KB
- Hendra virus confirmed in NSW horse - 1 July 2011 16.7 KB
Stay informed
Report suspect cases
Hendra is a notifiable emergency animal disease. If you suspect your horse has Hendra virus keep everyone away from the horse and call your private veterinarian immediately. The vet will notify the local Livestock Health and Pest Authority or an inspector with NSW DPI, if they consider the case highly suspect for Hendra.
If they are unavailable, and the illness is progressing rapidly, call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Effect on humans
NSW Health provides information on how hendra virus can affect people.