Queensland racing's governing body has launched a program to boost vaccination rates for Hendra virus. So far this year eight horses in Queensland and New South Wales have died from the disease.
Flying Foxes - Carriers of Hendra virus
Racing Queensland has also released a fact sheet for the subsidized Hendra virus vaccination program for all registered thoroughbred and standardbred horses.
© 2013 by Justin Welbergen
Kevin Dixon from Racing Queensland says a free first dose of vaccine is being made available for racing horses until the end of September. "That was necessary in order to get the take up," he said.
"We believe once we get the take up initially then the ongoing maintenance of that will be a much easier task."
In addition to the free vaccination, Racing Queensland has also released a fact sheet for the subsidized Hendra virus vaccination program for all registered thoroughbred and standardbred horses throughout Queensland.
Racing Queensland has worked with the vaccine manufacturer and Equine Veterinarians Australia to make the delivery of the vaccine as affordable as possible for owners and trainers.
Widespread use of the vaccination in the race horse population will ensure that the virus, which has the potential to cripple parts of the horse industry, is stopped before it can affect more horses and humans.