The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries which is in charge or agriculture related biosecurity is encouraging horseowners to vaccinate their horses against Hendra virus.
Australian bats - Carriers of Hendra virus
DPI Chief Veterinary officer, Ian Roth, said vaccination is the single most effective way of protecting yourself and your horses from the deadly Hendra virus.
© 2015 by Justin Welbergen
DPI Chief Veterinary officer, Ian Roth, said vaccination is the single most effective way of protecting yourself and your horses from the deadly Hendra virus.
"The colder months historically see an increased infection rate in horses â so it is imperative that horse owners take all the steps they possibly can to reduce the chances of their horses becoming infected with the Hendra virus," Mr Roth said.
Mr Roth said in addition to vaccination, horses should be kept away from flowering and fruiting trees that are attractive to bats.
"Any fruit lying underneath trees should be picked up and disposed of before the horses are returned to the paddock," Mr Roth said.
"Do not place feed and water under trees and cover feed and water containers with a shelter so they cannot be contaminated from above.
"If you suspect your horse has Hendra virus, keep everyone away from the horse and call your private veterinarian immediately.
"If your vet is unavailable you can call a District Veterinarian with the LLS or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
"People in contact with horses need to practice good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus.
"Horse owners and vets are encouraged to download the latest DPI information on Hendra virus online."
While the exact route of infection is unknown, it is thought that horses may contract Hendra virus infection from eating food recently contaminated by flying fox urine, saliva, or birth products. Spread of infection to other horses can then follow.
Spreading of the virus happens more often when the sick horse is kept with other horses in a stable, but is possible wherever horses have close contact with body fluids from an infected horse. Small amounts of the virus may be present in a horse's body fluids, particularly nasal secretions, for a few days before they become sick.
At the first signs of symptoms of the disease, a veterinarian should be called in to accurately diagnose the illness. To date, antiviral medications have not been effective in treating Hendra virus infection in horses or people, but three people have recovered from infections with general medical support.
For information on the vaccine, talk to your veterinarian.