Two horses have been euthanized in the Southern Downs after testing positive for Australian bat lyssavirus also known as Hendra virus. It is understood that the virus is most likely to have come from microbats in the area.
Flying foxes - Carriers of Hendra virus
Two horses have been euthanized in the Southern Downs after testing positive for Australian bat lyssavirus also known as Hendra virus.
© 2013 by Justin Welbergen
Biosecurity Queensland has quaratined the property where the virus was discovered. One horse was believed to be euthanized on 11 May 2013 after falling ill, and a 2nd horse was also put down after showing similar symptoms 5 days earlier.
In addition to the reports of the two cases, researchers have warned horse owners that the new Hendra virus vaccine may not provide protection for 12 months as previously thought.
Biosecurity Queensland chief biosecurity officer Dr Jim Thompson said recent data evaluated by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority showed that the vaccine offered protection to horses for a period of up to six months.
"Research is continuing to determine if the vaccine will provide protection against Hendra virus for up to 12 months," he said.
"Changes have also been made around the timing of the second dose. When the vaccine was first made available late last year there were strict requirements on the timing of the second vaccination.
"Further research means that the second dose can now be administered any time between three to six weeks after the first dose."
Studies continue to confirm that vaccination is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses and Biosecurity Queensland encourages horse owners to have their horses vaccinated.
Thompson recommends horse owners discuss vaccination with their veterinarian and they should familiarize themselves with other measures to reduce the risk of Hendra virus infection.
Details can be found in Biosecurity Queensland's updated Information for Horse Owners