Five people from Murwillumbah face an anxious wait, after coming into contact with a horse killed by Hendra Virus. Hendra virus is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from horses to humans.
Flying foxes (bats) - carriers of Hendra virus
Five people from Murwillumbah face an anxious wait, after coming into contact with a horse killed by Hendra Virus - a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from horses to humans.
Hendra virus was discovered following an outbreak of illness in a large racing stable in the suburb of Hendra, Brisbane, Australia in 1994. It is an emerging disease that so far has been found only in Australia. The virus occurs naturally in flying fox (bat) populations, and it is thought to be transferred to horses through contaminated urine, feces, or fetal fluids.
Steps can be taken to decrease the risk of Hendra infection in horses. It is important to protect horse food from contamination by flying fox fluids. Horse feed and water troughs should be relocated to areas away from where bats feed or roost.
Sick horses should be isolated while awaiting test results. If an outbreak is suspected, the horse premises should be quarantined immediately. Culling of infected animals – with close supervision of the burial or incineration of carcasses – may be necessary to reduce the risk of transmission to people. Restricting or banning the movement of horses from infected stables to other areas can reduce the spread of the disease.