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Statement on the Hendra Virus

Tuesday 19 July 2011

Hendra Virus – update for SA horse owners

Wednesday 6 July 2011

Biosecurity SA continues to receive updates and information from its counterparts in Queensland and northern New South Wales regarding Hendra Virus.

It advises the public that the outbreak has been confined to those two states, as have all previous outbreaks of this disease since first isolated in Australia in 1994.

However, continued monitoring will be ongoing in South Australia, although there has been no evidence of Hendra Virus in this state. Flying foxes (commonly known as fruit bats), which are suspected as the primary source of the virus, are very uncommon in SA.

Nevertheless, horse owners should immediately consult their veterinarian in all cases where their horse displays signs of being unwell, particularly if the horse has recently been transported from Queensland or northern NSW.

As well, the public is advised to not handle flying foxes and to contact the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on (08) 8336 0926 or email FlyingFoxWatch@sa.gov.au to report activities of these animals.

For more information please see:
http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/more/factsheets/fact_sheets/animals_and_livestock/horse/flying-foxes_and_hendra_virus_150_advice_for_horse_owners

Information about the current Hendra Virus outbreak in northern New South Wales and Queensland can be found through the following links:

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_2900.htm 
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/hendra-virus