Unvaccinated horse succumbs to Hendra virus in Queensland's first case in three years

A horse in south-east Queensland has died after contracting Hendra virus, in what authorities say is the state's first case of the disease since 2022. Biosecurity Queensland said an unvaccinated horse tested positive for the infection on Friday, July 4 and its 'condition rapidly deteriorated'. The last time Hendra virus was detected in the state was in Mackay in 2022. Prior to that, no cases had been recorded since 2017.

Hendra virus can infect horses and humans and is potentially deadly to both. It can be transmitted from flying fox to horse, from horse to horse, from horse to dog and from horse to human. Horses are believed to contract the virus by coming into contact with material contaminated by infected flying fox body fluids and excretions. It can then spread from horse to horse through direct contact with infectious body fluids and indirect contact via contaminated equipment.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Fiona Thompson said officers were working closely with the horse's owner to manage the risk of the virus spreading. Horse owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals against the disease to protect them. There is no vaccine for humans against Hendra virus and although instances of it spreading to people are rare, it can happen.

Queensland Health said people infected by the virus had become unwell with an influenza-like illness as well as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The latter can lead to symptoms like headaches, fever and drowsiness.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.