Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Alison Crook recently announced one horse had been euthanized on the property following the rapid deterioration of its condition.
As specified in an Outbreak News Today report, the Queensland government reported over the weekend that the state's first Hendra virus case in five years, since 2017, was in the city of Mackay horse.
Dr. Crook also explained that tracing and risk assessments had been embarked on other animals on the property.
The chief veterinary officer also said they are working with the horse and property owners to guarantee that the risk is controlled on the property.
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Hendra Virus Vaccination
Dr. Crook continued explaining they are working with Queensland Health's Public Health experts to identify if any person had contact with the infected horse and stand ready to offer any support, information, counseling, testing, or treatment that may be needed.
The official also emphasized the vaccination, saying that vaccinating horses was the most effective way to help handle virus diseases.
Regrettably, in this circumstance, the deceased horse had not been inoculated for Hendra virus, explained Dr. Crook, a similar ABC News report said.
Horse euthanised after Queensland records first case of Hendra virus in five years https://t.co/vliiC60V9s
— ABC News (@abcnews) July 10, 2022
Essentially, Hendra virus infection can occur throughout the year, so horse owners must take steps to shield themselves and their animals at all times.
Owners need to contact their veterinarian immediately if a horse turns ill. Those in contact with horses should keep practicing good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures even if a horse is vaccinated to combat the Hendra virus.
Hendra Virus
Also called HeV, Hendra virus infection is a rare zoonosis, a disease that can be transferred to humans from animals, causing severe and often deadly diseases in both infected horses and humans.
The virus's natural host has been identified as being the Pteropodidae Family Pteropus genus's fruit bats.
HeV was identified during the initially recorded disease outbreak in 1994 in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra, Australia.
The said outbreak involved over 21 stabled horses and two cases in humans. As of 2016, particularly in July, more than 50 disease occurrences involving 70 horses have been reported.
Symptoms
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms of Hendra virus infection in humans range from mild influenza-like to deadly respiratory or neurological disease.
In horses, the virus can lead to various symptoms. Typically, there is a rapid onset of the infection, fever, increased heart rate, and fast deterioration with respiratory and, or neurological or nervous system indications.
Meanwhile, in people, the Hendra virus symptoms usually occur from five to 21 days after contact with an infected horse.
Among the common initial symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, tiredness, and headache. Meningitis, encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, can occur, causing headaches, high-grade fever, and drowsiness. It may sometimes cause comatose or convulsions. HeV can be deadly.
Treatment
Essentially, there is no particular treatment for human cases of Hendra virus. More so, intensive supportive care is offered, and the use of monoclonal antibodies is currently being investigated.
A registered Hendra animal vaccine exists, and vaccination is recognized as an effective approach for reducing the danger of horses becoming infected and lessening the possibility of human exposure.
Related information about the Hendra virus in Australia is shown on ABC News Australia's YouTube video below:
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