Biosecurity Queensland Confirms Hendra Virus Cases

Biosecurity Queensland received laboratory results this evening (Tuesday, July 8) which confirmed three horses from a veterinary practice on the outskirts of Brisbane have tested positive for Hendra Virus.

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said expert epidemiologists from Biosecurity Queensland were working with the practice to determine how and when the infection occurred.

“Late today, Biosecurity Queensland received laboratory results confirming that three horses have tested positive for Hendra Virus,” Mr Mulherin said.

“We are taking the situation seriously with biosecurity inspectors moving quickly to quarantine the practice and establish thorough disinfection procedures to ensure the area is fully contained.

“We don’t yet know how the virus came to be at the vet practice, however epidemiologists are investigating and conducting complex investigations.

“We are also working with local neighbours to ensure they are aware of the situation and the quarantine,” Mr Mulherin said.

Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Ron Glanville said the case was unusual, as the horse’s symptoms had not been consistent with signs seen in previous Hendra cases.

“Hendra is a serious but rare virus which occasionally affects horses. As a zoonotic disease, it can also spread from horses to humans, but that is also rare,” Dr Glanville said.

“Of those diagnosed with the virus, one horse has died, one is recovering, and one was euthanized early this evening.

“Biosecurity Queensland will tomorrow sample 37 other horses which are located at the practice. However the first priority is containment and disinfection,” he said.

Dr Glanville said the vet practice was quarantined last night as a precautionary measure after some horses displayed unusual symptoms.

While it is extremely difficult to contract the disease, staff from Queensland Health are contacting people involved with the sick horses to advise on personal health and hygiene issues associated with the disease. 

Source: www.cabinet.qld.gov.au