Hendra is a deadly virus that kills horses and people, it was first detected in southern Queensland in 1994, since then there have been breakouts in NSW and the Great Dividing Range.
Hendra is thought to be carried by fruit bats, who are natural hosts of the virus. The virus does not affect the bats. All four mainland species can carry Hendra.It is thought that fruit bats pass the virus through infected water or feed.
Horses that are transported are at risk of contracting Hendra, no matter how long they may be in a risk area.
Hendra spreads from horse to horse and horse to human through bodily discharges. It cannot spread, at this stage, from human to human. Symptoms in horses may include:
- acute onset of illness
- increased body temperature and heart rate.
- discomfort, weight shifting between legs.
- breathing difficulties, neurological signs, muscle twitching.
There is no cure for Hendra virus and since it is deadly to horses and owners it is an important disease to prevent against. The vaccination (HeV) is relatively new but has been rigorously tested. At this stage the vaccine needs to be repeated every 6 months. Unlike other vaccines, HeV must be administered by a registered veterinarian as strict logbooks are kept of all vaccinated horses in Australia. All horses must be microchipped to receive the vaccine. HeV has been proven safe to use in horses from 4 months of age.
HeV vaccination regime for horses from the age of 4 months:
Two doses, three to six weeks apart. Boosters every 6 months.
Photo from: http://theconversation.com/hope-for-hendra-virus-vaccination-but-not-this-year-2143