What is Hendra virus?

Fruit bats (flying foxes) are the natural hosts for Hendra virus. The virus can spread from fruit bats to horses and, very rarely, from horses to people. No other animal has been recorded to have been infected naturally; however, experimentally cats and guinea pigs are susceptible to infection.

Hendra virus is a notifiable disease in NSW and all suspected cases in horses must be reported to NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). Contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Where does it occur?

Hendra virus was first isolated in 1994 in the suburb of Hendra, Brisbane. Since then a number of infections have been detected on or east of the Great Dividing Range from Cairns to northern New South Wales. However, Hendra virus could potentially occur wherever there are fruit bats.

Distribution of the four main fruit bats in Australia

What do I look for?

Hendra virus can cause a range of clinical signs in horses and should especially be considered where there is acute onset fever and rapid progression to death associated with either respiratory or neurological signs. Most cases in horses are fatal but occasionally a horse will survive the infection. The reported mortality rate in infected horses is greater than 70%.

How is it controlled?

Where Hendra virus has been confirmed as the cause of illness or death in horses, NSW DPI will manage the situation. The property where the outbreak has occurred will be quarantined and any sick animals will be isolated. A full disease investigation will be conducted and measures taken to care for animals, minimise the risk to people, decontaminate the environment and safely dispose of infected horses which die.

How do people get the disease?

A small number of cases of human infection have been recorded, and half these cases have resulted in death (as at the time of writing). Human infections have resulted from handling infected horses (either sick horses or during autopsies), so great care should be taken in regard to personal protective measures. In particular, contact with blood and other body fluids (especially respiratory and nasal secretions, saliva and urine) and tissues should not be allowed to occur.

There is no evidence of human-to-human spread or human-to-horse spread of Hendra virus.

Keys to preventing the disease in people

Suspect cases of Hendra virus must be reported to NSW DPI (ph. 1800 675 888). Contact with suspect horses should be avoided until a veterinarian has investigated and provided advice on handling affected horses safely. All those involved in investigating a suspect case of Hendra virus should wear full protective clothing: impervious overalls, boots, gloves, P2 respirator mask and eye protection. Follow the procedures outlined in 'Guidelines for veterinarians handling potential Hendra virus infection in horses' available on the Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (QDPI&F) website.

NSW DPI will contact NSW Health whenever Hendra virus is confirmed or strongly suspected. NSW Health will then work with the horse owner and attending veterinarians to decide whether any people require monitoring and medical assistance.

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

Chances of contacting Hendra virus can be reduced by limiting any possible contact (direct or indirect) with fruit bats or with horses that may have contact. Check that feed and water troughs are not placed under trees where fruit bats might feed or roost. If it is necessary to have feeding and watering areas in shade and the only shade available is from fruiting trees, consider building a cover over the feed and water area to prevent contamination of the troughs from above.

Further information

See the Hendra virus page from the QDPI&F website.