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Horse Owner Survey on Hendra Virus
This survey is aimed to assess horse owners’ husbandry management practices for their horse(s) and their perception and attitude toward Hendra virus. The information you provide will be used to inform support agencies on Hendra virus risk management planning and recommendations. In addition, this study will provide the opportunity to gauge the level of information on Hendra virus been received by horse owners and whether an information gap exists. Your information will also be of value to those working in human health planning, and will help improve response to any similar threats in the future. This survey is being conducted and funded by the Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Biosecurity Queensland. The survey findings will be reported back to all leading support agencies including Biosecurity Queensland and Biosecurity New South Wales, and the horse industry sectors upon request. Complete Survey |
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| Hendra Virus 5/1/2012 |
A deceased horse on a property in the Townsville area has returned a positive test result for Hendra virus infection. Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rick Symons said the horse had shown rapid onset of illness. “The horse died on Tuesday and the positive result for the virus came back late last night,” Dr Symons said. “The veterinarian who attended the horse used the proper precautions including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). “Biosecurity Queensland is in the process of quarantining this property and will test and monitor the other five horses at this location over the next month.” Read Communique | | |
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| Hendra virus |
The Qld Horse Council stresses the need to be aware that Hendra virus can occur wherever there are flying foxes and horses, and because of the large area that flying foxes travel over, can occur across a large proportion of the state and at any time of the year. For information about how you can reduce the risks to yourself and your horse please read our fact sheets:-
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| How can you help Hendra Virus Horse Vaccine Development? |
The main goal of the QHC Hendra Virus Horse Vaccine Development Fund it’s obviously to raise funds for the development of the vital vaccine for horses against the deadly Hendra virus. However, we also want to raise awareness of the disease itself.
So, what can you do?
1. Donate: Hendra virus does not discriminate between horse breeds or disciplines, we can all be affected. Take a proactive stand and donate to this vital fund. The sooner we reach the target, the sooner we all get protection.
2. Get your association or organisation to write a letter of support for the Hendra vaccine. There is still resistance against a Hendra vaccine by some, saying that it won’t be supported – they are usually people who aren’t at risk!!!!!!!!!!! Send the letter to Qld Horse Council, Private Box 1110, UQ Gatton Qld 4343. We need these letters to state a case for vaccine production when it is developed.
3. Subscribe to our updates and get them in your inbox: If you live in Queensland visit the QHC website at www.qldhorsecouncil.com and sign up to HOSS (this is a Qld only service). If you do not live in Queensland, do not despair - email us at admin@qldhorsecouncil.com to be added to our mailing list.
4. Email signature: Raise awareness by inserting the QHC Hendra virus Horse Vaccine logo in your outgoing emails. Please use the official logo, you can get a copy by emailing admin@qldhorsecouncil.com.
5. Club Notices & Newsletters: Ask your club to include our updates and Hendra virus fact sheets in your club’s newsletters.
6. Club events: Consider donating part of your club’s event takings to the Fund.
7. Hold a Seminar: Get the latest information about Hendra virus and the vaccine development. You or your club or business can arrange for the QHC to give a Hendra virus seminar in your local area (limited to Queensland only).Contact Debbie Dekker at president@qldhorsecouncil.com to arrange.
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| Kooralbyn Horses | 2/11/2011 After three weeks of comprehensive laboratory testing, Biosecurity Queensland believes that either scrub tick infestation or botulism were the likely cause of the deaths of 22 horses at a Kooralbyn property. Chief Biosecurity Officer Jim Thompson said both conditions caused progressive muscular paralysis, as was seen with these horses, and it was often hard to differentiate between the two.
“Botulism is a bacteria that lives in soil and produces a toxin that affects the nervous system if ingested,” he said. “The other likely scenario is scrub tick poisoning. Witnesses have reported that the horses first noticed to be in distress on Thursday 6 October had been carrying large numbers of ticks. “Fatal infestations of scrub tick on adult horses have been recorded in the past. “This has been an unusual and complex case. Biosecurity Queensland worked closely with the attending private veterinarian and Queensland Health to test a range of samples from the horses and the paddock where they were kept. “Despite carrying out such a thorough investigation, we know from experience that test results don’t always pinpoint an exact cause of death. “However based on the circumstances, Biosecurity Queensland believes scrub ticks or botulism were most likely responsible in this case.” Test results have excluded:
· Hendra virus
· pesticides
· heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cyanide, nitrate)
· toxic plants
· water contamination
· deliberate poisoning. | | |
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| Second Hendra virus case confirmed at Beachmere property |
A second horse has been euthanased at a Beachmere property after returning a positive test result for Hendra virus infection. Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said this was one of the two remaining horses at the Beachmere property where a horse was euthanased last Tuesday. “Samples were taken for Hendra virus testing from the two horses remaining on the property and we received a positive result for one of these horses,” Dr Symons said.
“Three horses have now died at this property in the past fortnight. One was euthanased almost two weeks ago after becoming seriously ill and being diagnosed as suffering from colic. No samples from that horse are available for testing and we will not be able to confirm if that horse was actually infected by Hendra virus.” Dr Symons said the property would remain under quarantine until at least late November. | | |
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| Large Animal Rescue |
Large Animal Rescue is defined as the removal of a large animal from a place of danger to a place of safety by the most humane method, with overriding regard for the safety and welfare of responders as well as members of the public. The rescue of a horse is an infrequent, highly dangerous emergency that is often mishandled. Fire and Rescue, SES, veterinarians and RSPCA Inspectors are not routinely trained, and are generally ill-prepared, to respond effectively to the wide variety of scenarios presented by horse rescues. Read More | | |
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| Equine Emergency Rescue |
What do you do when your horse goes down in his float, falls down a cliff, into a sinkhole or septic tank, gets stuck in mud, fire or floodwater or you have an accident while you’re towing? Rescuing a trapped horse is incredibly dangerous. The horse’s first instinct when threatened or trapped is to run away. If he can’t run he will fight - and fight hard. How confident are you that you could help him without injuring or killing him or putting your own life or that of others at risk? To buy a copy of the book go to www.equineER.com cost $29.95
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| Horse Industry unites to fight exotic diseases |
A landmark agreement proposed by Animal Health Australia has received universal support by all sectors of the Australian horse industry and by a Senate committee which tabled its report on Friday.
Western Australian Senator Dr Chris Back, an equine veterinarian, has strongly endorsed the recommendations of the Rural Affairs and Transport References committee which has examined the implications of the industry Emergency Animal Disease Response agreement. Senator Back said once horse industry representatives sign up, the federal government can immediately coordinate a nationwide response in the event that any one of the 22 exotic diseases affecting horses was detected in Australia. Read more
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| Equine Nutrition and Health Workshops |
Feed Products & Management – Introduction to Permaculture & Biological Pasture Management -
Applied equine nutrition science for horse’s health and performance - Make your property perform at its best - Feeding efficiency & strategies - Future planning & management. Read more | | |
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| When did you last have your float serviced? | Many horse people would be surprised at how often horse floats are completely forgotten about when it comes to servicing. Floats are one of those easily forgotten but vital pieces of equipment. At the end of the day they are fairly low tech. They don’t have a motor or gearbox and have little to no electronics. They are essentially a box on wheels that is towed behind your car. Albeit a box that comes in a vast array of sizes, configurations and budgets.Read more | | |
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| Equine Herpes Virus |
Equine herpes virus (EHV) is a common virus occurring in horse populations worldwide. The most common strains are EHV-1 and EHV-4. EHV-1 can cause respiratory diseases, abortions and neurologic disease, while EHV-4 typically causes respiratory disease but can also cause abortions. With the recent outbreak of EHV in Tasmania causing neurological problems and abortions a reminder of the clinical signs might be a good idea – read our Herpes Fact Sheet | | |
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| Old horses need extra-special care |
A horse is a horse, of course, but as they age their requirements for care start to increase. Biosecurity Queensland Principal Biosecurity Officer Fiona Thompson said it is not uncommon now for horses to live into their late twenties or even thirties. Therefore, it is important that owners understand some of their basic needs. "Owners can give their older horse the quality of life it deserves by focusing on its health," she said. "The digestive system of aging horses becomes less efficient, which can affect the way they digest, absorb and utilise their food. Therefore, they require higher energy in their food. Read more | | |
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DO YOU WANT TO BE INFORMED? DO YOU WANT YOUR HORSES SAFE?
HOSS - Horse Owners Signal System is a database for contact in case of disease outbreak, fire, flood, or other emergency in Qld. We need your email, postcode and council where YOUR HORSE LIVES. Join up NOW! Click on the HOSS image below for registration. If you have more than one email contact or horses at different properties, please register each one individually.
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| 2010/2011 Qld Horse Council Presidents Report | |
Well, what a year! If we thought last year was busy, it was just warming us up for what was to come. I am very proud of the achievements of our organisation and our ability to respond whatever the situation that has been thrown our way. Once again there has been a steep learning curve which just adds to our abilities to respond in future. We have had an unprecedented number of Hendra virus incidents and life is still being carried out on the run, but with the Hendra vaccine on the horizon we hope that this kind of response will soon be a thing of the past. Read Report
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| Hendra Vaccine Development | |
The Qld Horse Council has vigorously pursued the development of a Hendra Vaccine for horses. The trials on horses for the development of vaccine have been very successful, with it now ready to move through the process towards production of a commercial vaccine. Read More | | |
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| Facts about the Hendra vaccine | |
· The Hendra vaccine is a G protein vaccine
· G proteins are not the infective parts of the virus, but one of the proteins that allow the virus to invade the body
· Without this important protein the virus can’t infect.
· When this protein is combined with an adjuvant (something that stimulates the immune system) the body builds antibodies that kill Hendra Virus
· The G protein can be produced synthetically
· The vaccine is produced without any live virus
· Vaccinated Horses produce antibodies that can be differentiated from natural infection
· The vaccine can be produced safely and economically - high security labs aren’t required.
· Proven to stop horses getting sick and to stop horses from shedding the virus | | |
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| Hendra Seminars coming up! | |
Click on each location for details. | | |
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| Hendra Vaccine News | | | | |
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| WHS Hendra Self Survey | |
Are you prepared for Hendra virus? How do your everyday practices shape up?
Workplace Health and Safety Qld has produced a survey so you can audit your own precautions and risk management. Find out more on WHSQ
Download a copy of the surveys.
MANAGING OCCUPATIONAL HENDRA VIRUS RISKS FOR HORSE PROPERTIES AND OTHER HORSE RELATED BUSINESSES –SELF SURVEY
MANAGING OCCUPATIONAL HENDRA VIRUS RISKS IN VETERINARY PRACTICE – SELF SURVEY | | |
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| Neurological disease in horses | |
An increased incidence of severe neurological disease in horses has been reported in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
There appear to be two distinct syndromes:
· muscle and joint pain
· nervous signs
Common clinical signs include but are not limited to:
· reluctance to walk
· stiff gait
· ataxia
· depression
· tremors
· weakness, lethargy
· Less common clinical signs include but are not limited to:
· increased responsiveness to touch and sound
· facial paralysis
· hypermetria
· muscle fasciculation
To date there have been over 100 reported cases in NSW, 60 in South Australia and in Victoria there have been approximately 90 properties with affected horses. Read More
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| Indoor Arena and Equestrian Venue/Facilities for Hire | |
The Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled has a great facility and as an income stream to help them support their Centre, they are now able to hire it out. So when the rains come, or you are looking for a venue for a workshop, muster, or competition (when the yards and arenas are finished), please keep them in mind. Read Flyer | | |
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| Spillover | |
On June 14 2006, Clive, a thoroughbred gelding, died an agonizing death. It was a death that would mark the beginning of an emotional nightmare for his owner, Jennifer Crane and her family. Jennifer’s account of the death of her horse due to the Hendra virus portrays the pain of losing a beloved member of the family, her encounter with Queensland’s biosecurity procedures and a decision to try to increase the awareness of the fatal consequences when the balance of nature is tipped. This book is not only very well written, but it is an honest and well balanced account of her experiences. I started reading it and I couldn’t put it down. The QHC has it for sale, for details please contact treasurer@qldhorsecouncil.com. | | |
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| Horse Research Reports | |
Horses Research Reports from Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation RIRDC
Some Examples:-
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Risk Factors Associated with Racetrack Casualties in Thoroughbreds Victoria, Australia 1989-2005 (08/007 UM-58A)
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Safety for Horses and Riders in Eventing - The SHARE database (08/027 UF-11A)
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Back Pain in Horses - Epaxial Musculature (07/118 UQ-111A)
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Environmental Management on Horse Properties (06/137 EPS-1A)
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The Horse Industry Contributing to the Australian Economy (01/083 CIE-9A)
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Health & performance of pony club horses (UCS-24A)
and many more | | |
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