A RENEWED call for equine owners to vaccinate their animals against the deadly Hendra virus has come from Equine Veterinarians Australia following three new confirmed cases in the past month.
According to the president of EVA, Dr Ben Poole, it is critical that horses located in and around high-risk Hendra areas are vaccinated against Hendra virus.
“Another three horses in NSW have died from this preventable disease, which poses serious health risks not just to horses, but humans as well,” he said.
“The risk this disease poses to human health is also very real and it is important that the equine community remains vigilant in protecting horses and people from Hendra,” Dr Poole said.
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Minimise risk
From 1994, when the Hendra virus was first identified, to August, 2017, there have been 60 known Hendra incidents resulting in the death of 102 horses, Dr Poole said.
During this period, Queensland has recorded 40 incidents and NSW has had 20.
“Every one of these horses that has died because of Hendra represents one more compelling reason for horse owners to vaccinate their horses,” he said.
According to EVA, there have been seven confirmed cases in people, all of whom had significant contact with horse body fluids. Of those who tested positive for Hendra, four sadly died from the disease, including two veterinarians.
Dr Poole said the vaccine, introduced in 2012, is the most effective way to minimise the risk of Hendra virus. The vaccine is fully registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to ensure high standards of horse health and welfare while also protecting veterinarians, horse handlers and owners from contracting this deadly virus.
“Hendra virus is impossible to diagnose without laboratory testing. The signs of this disease can be extremely variable.
“When your horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus, the probability of your horse having the disease is extremely low and therefore is more likely to receive timely and appropriate therapies,” he said.
“We need to remember that right across the country there are thousands of equine events every year. These events bring together a large number of horses from a wide range of geographical locations, and this compounds the risks associated with Hendra virus infection if horses have not been vaccinated.”
Horse owners should contact their local veterinarian for more information about the Hendra virus vaccination.