The deadly Hendra virus has been detected in a Queensland horse for the first time in five years.
Key points:
- The virus was detected Friday in a horse on a Mackay property
- This is the first time the Hendra virus has been seen in Queensland since 2017
- Fiona Thompson of Biosecurity Queensland says there are two types of virus syndromes, neurological or respiratory.
A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said the virus was found on a horse on a Mackay property on Friday.
The chief veterinary officer of biosafety, Allison Crook, said the horse’s condition deteriorated rapidly and the animal had to be euthanized.
It is understood that the horse had not been vaccinated against the virus.
“Screening and risk assessments have been conducted on other animals on the property,” Dr. Crook said.
“We are working with the property and horse owners to ensure that the risk is contained in the property.
“We are also working with Queensland Health public health experts to determine if any humans have had contact with the infected horse and are ready to offer any assistance, advice, information, testing or treatment that may be required.”
Dr. Crook said Hendra virus infection could occur year-round and owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if their horse became ill.
Fiona Thompson, of Biosecurity Queensland, said there were usually two types of virus syndromes.
“We can see a respiratory syndrome in horses, so they tend to have runny nose, or we can see a neurological syndrome, where we tend to see them staggering and tripping,” Ms. Thompson said.
Mrs. Thompson advised the owners to vaccinate their horses and to limit their contact with flying foxes.
He said this could involve covering the containers with water and feeding them under cover.
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Posted 2 hours, 2 hours ago, dig. July 10, 2022 at 08:58, updated 1 hour, 1 hours ago, dig. July 10, 2022 at 10:48 p.m.