Hendra virus

Flying foxes are the natural hosts for Hendra virus. The virus can spread from flying foxes to horses and very rarely, to people. It is a notifiable disease and all suspected cases in horses must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland - part of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Hendra virus was first isolated in 1994 from an outbreak of disease at a stable in the suburb of Hendra, Brisbane. Since then, more than 30 cases of Hendra virus in horses have been detected on or east of the Great Dividing Range from Cairns to northern New South Wales. However Hendra virus could potentially occur wherever there are flying foxes.

Hendra virus can cause a range of clinical signs and should be considered where there is acute onset, fever and rapid progression to death associated with either respiratory or neurological signs. Most cases in horses are fatal but occasionally a horse will survive the infection. The reported mortality rate in affected horses is greater than 70%. No other animal is known to be infected naturally.

Where Hendra virus has been confirmed as the cause of illness or death in horses, Biosecurity Queensland will manage the situation. The property where the outbreak has occurred will be quarantined and any ill animals will be isolated. A full disease investigation will be conducted and measures taken to care for animals, prevent the risk to people, decontaminate the environment and safely dispose of infected horses that die.

Seven cases of human infection have been recorded, of which four have died. Human infections have occurred from handling infected horses (ill horses and during autopsies), so great care should be taken in regard to personal protective measures. In particular, contact with blood and other body fluids (especially respiratory and nasal secretions, saliva, and urine) and tissues should not occur.

There is no evidence of human-to-human spread or human-to-horse spread of Hendra virus.

Contamination should be avoided but if it occurs, the contaminated skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, ideally by taking a shower. Any cuts or abrasions that become exposed or contaminated should be cleansed thoroughly with soap and water. If available, an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) should be applied after washing.

When Hendra virus is suspected and potential human exposure occurs, medical advice should be sought and a Queensland Health Population Health Unit should be contacted.

Suspect cases of Hendra virus must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland. Contact with suspect horses should be avoided until a veterinarian has investigated and provided advice on handling affected horses safely. All those involved in investigating a suspect case of Hendra virus must wear full protective clothing: impervious overalls, boots, gloves, respirator mask and face shield.

Biosecurity Queensland will contact Queensland Health whenever Hendra virus is confirmed or strongly suspected. Queensland Health will then work with the horse owner and attending veterinarians to decide whether any people require monitoring and medical assistance.