Response to hendra virus infection in animals
Summary
Flying foxes (large fruit bats) are the natural hosts for Hendra virus. They appear to be unaffected by Hendra virus infection.
Occasionally Hendra virus can spread from flying foxes to horses. Very rarely, the virus can then spread from horses to other mammal species, including people where it can cause very serious illness or death.
Two dogs have been infected on properties with Hendra virus infected horses but clinical signs were not reported. Other animals which can be infected by Hendra virus under laboratory conditions include cats, pigs, ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Topics include:
- Definitions
- Responsibilities
- Legal directions
- Movement restrictions
- Investigation
- Contamination Area
- Animal segregation
- Monitoring
- Vaccination
- Euthanasia and disposal
- Decontamination
