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Hendra Virus
Hendra virus is an extremely uncommon virus that can cause fatal disease in people and horses. The virus is carried by flying foxes (fruit bats) but does not cause disease in these animals. Horses can become infected when in close contact with an infected flying fox.
The virus can multiply rapidly in horses resulting in large amounts of virus being excreted in nasal secretions, urine and faeces. All known human cases have resulted from very close contact between the person and an infected horse. Veterinarians and their hospital staff are a particularly high risk group. There have been no known cases of people becoming infected directly from flying foxes.
Hendra virus has been detected on or east of the Great Dividing Range from Northern Queensland to Northern New South Wales.
Risk of Hendra virus infection in horses in South Australia
It is extremely unlikely that a case of Hendra virus will occur in South Australia.
The normal habitat for flying foxes does not include South Australia although there has been occasional sighting of flying foxes in the southeast of the state near Mt Gambier.
There has never been a case of Hendra virus reported in South Australia.
Risk of Hendra virus infection in horses being transported into South Australia
There is an extremely small chance that a horse could be transported into South Australia that was infected in QLD or NSW. The incubation period (the time from infection to becoming sick) is 5 to 16 days.
The clinical signs of Hendra virus infection are very vague. Any horse that has been recently (3 weeks) transported into South Australia from Queensland or NSW with the following signs should be considered suspicious for Hendra virus
- acute onset illness
- depression, not eating
- discomfort/ weight shifting between legs
- increased body temperature
- increased heart rate
- rapid progression of illness (or death)
While neurological signs (including abnormal muscle twitching, weakness and loss of balance) and respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing, breathing difficulty) are the most common signs they are not always seen.
Any sick horses should be examined by your private veterinarian, who will work with PIRSA-Biosecurity to arrange exclusion testing for Hendra virus infection if required. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment during this examination is essential.
Risks for Humans
Human infections have occurred from handling Hendra Virus infected horses (both live and dead horses). Contact with suspect horses should be avoided until a veterinarian has investigated and provided advice on handling affected horses safely.
If contact occurs, the contaminated skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, ideally by taking a shower. Any cuts or abrasions that become exposed or contaminated should be cleansed thoroughly with soap and water. If available, an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) should be applied after washing.
Hendra virus - Vet Pack (August 2011)
Hendra virus is a notifiable disease
Under South Australian legislation, if you suspect the presence of this disease in horses, you must report it to PIRSA Biosecurity – Animal Health
To report, please call:
Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.
You’ll be put into contact with PIRSA Biosecurity Animal staff who will give detailed advice on how to proceed.
For more information either contact:
Mary Carr on 08 8207 7872
or visit:
Horse and Donkey Biosecurity - Daff
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecuritysa/animalhealth/disease_control/hendra_virus
- Page Last Modified: November 8, 2011