Hendra virus

Hendra virus is a virus carried by fruit bats that inhabit Australia, Papua New Guinea, and surrounding islands. So far, clinical disease due to Hendra virus infection has only been recognised in Australia. Fruit bats (flying foxes), the natural host, appear to be unaffected by the virus.

Rarely, Hendra virus spreads from fruit bats to horses, causing severe disease, and can then spread to people who are in close contact with infected horses. Four of the seven people who are known to have been infected (at the time of writing) have died.

Hendra virus infection is notifiable in NSW and all suspected cases in horses must be reported to an inspector with NSW DPI or to the Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

If you cannot contact the staff from the lists above, then contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

This Primefact covers the following topics:

• What should I do if I suspect Hendra virus in a horse?
• Where does it occur?
• Symptoms in horses
• Symptoms in humans
• Incubation period and course of illness
• How is it controlled?
• How do people get the disease?
• Keys to preventing the disease in people
• How do I reduce the chances of my horses becoming infected?
• Hendra virus in other animals