Hendra virus and domestic animals - Frequently Asked Questions

Can companion animals become infected with Hendra virus?

Queensland authorities confirmed on July 26, 2011 that a dog had tested positive for Hendra virus. The dog developed Hendra antibodies but did not carry the virus in its blood or show any signs of disease.

This is the first time outside a laboratory that an animal other than a flying fox, horse, or a human has been confirmed with Hendra virus infection. The dog was on a Hendra quarantined property in Queensland and it is believed it got the virus after close contact with an infected horse.

Hendra is a very rare virus and with so few cases, not a lot is known about its distribution and under what conditions animals can become infected.

Cats, pigs, guinea pigs and ferrets have developed infection with Hendra virus in laboratory conditions only. None of these species have become infected with the Hendra virus naturally.

Can my dog catch Hendra virus through direct contact with flying foxes?

There has never been a case of bat-to-dog transmission of Hendra virus. The only dog that has tested positive for Hendra virus is believed to have been infected via close contact with an infected horse. Currently there is no evidence to suggest that dogs can be infected directly from flying foxes (including flying fox faeces, urine or eating or playing with a flying fox).

Can my dog get Hendra virus from eating horse manure?

There is no evidence that dogs can be infected with Hendra virus from eating horse manure, and no virus has been detected in the manure of experimentally infected horses before they become sick. Nevertheless dogs should be discouraged from eating horse manure as a general biosecurity precaution, especially if the horse is sick. This is a preventative measure for many diseases and parasitic infections.

Can I get Hendra virus from a dog?

There is no current evidence to suggest that dogs can infect humans with Hendra virus. In all seven human Hendra cases, people became infected following close contact with the respiratory secretions and/or blood from an infected horse.

What is the advice for dog and cat owners?

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) recommends that people keep all domestic animals away from sick horses (suspect Hendra virus cases) and areas contaminated with their urine or faeces, to reduce the possible risk of exposure to the virus. It is good biosecurity to keep healthy animals away from sick ones, regardless of the cause of the illness.

What biosecurity measures are in place for companion animals?

NSW DPI’s policy is to routinely test companion animals that have had close contact with an infected horse. Any properties on which Hendra virus is identified are quarantined and movement restrictions are imposed on all domestic animals, including dogs and cats.

How do I reduce the chances of my horses becoming infected?

NSW DPI advises horse owners to take precautions in areas with flying foxes - to reduce the risk of their horses becoming infected:

• Place feed and water containers under cover.
• Do not place feed and water under trees, especially trees with fruit.
• Do not use feed that could attract flying foxes, such as apples, carrots, or molasses.
• Remove horses from paddocks where fruiting or flowering trees have temporarily attracted flying foxes.
• If it is not possible to remove the horse from the paddock, tape off the area under the tree.

What should I do if I find a dead or injured bat?

Never touch or pick up a flying fox. Contact WIRES on 13 00 094 737. 

If the bat has bitten or scratched an animal, such as a dog or cat, contact your private veterinarian.

For more information on Bats and health risks see Bats and health risks.

More Questions and Answers can be found on our General Hendra Virus - Frequently Asked Questions page