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QHC Plans Biosecurity Training with Emergency Response Plan to Help Combat Hendra
CEO's Review of the Hendra Virus Report
A total of 20 recommendations were advised by independent reviewer Dr. Nigel Perkins.
All of the recommendations, along with the entire report and terms of reference of the review can be found on our website:
Interpretation of key recommendations:
1. Effective communication about the exposure risk to people involved with horses and formation of guidelines etc. focusing on precautionary measures to minimise exposure.
2. Development of specifications for post mortem details of suspect or confirmed Hendra cases, including transport and disposal. Waste removal services would need to agree on arrangements that can be rapidly implemented.
3. Consideration be made for a review or audit process of the DPI&F procedures by an individual
independent of the response which is completed early in the operational phase of the response.
4. It is recommended that DPI&F work with industry bodies and accredited providers of safety training to develop training and preparedness programs for all people who interact with horses.
5. Consideration needs to be given to knowledge gaps and research needs and funding opportunities for future research to address those gaps.
Summary of cases
In July and August 2008, two people and five horses were confirmed infected with Hendra virus at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic (RVC) and three horses were confirmed infected at Proserpine.
Presenting clinical signs in cases included ataxia (wobbly gait, stumbling), head tilt, facial nerve paralysis, fever, increased heart rate and respiratory rate and purple gum colour.
Several horses were also classified as cases of interest in that they died or were euthanased before the first confirmed case. Dr. Perkins found that the available information did not allow unequivocal determination of the Hendra status of these horses.
“Hendra virus is an endemic disease with a low probability of occurrence and terrible consequences for both animals and people,” Dr. Perkins reported.
It is now accepted that there is a continual low level risk of Hendra cases to occur at any time.
It was found that the CityplaceRedlands incident and the Proserpine incident were the result of separate exposure events.
Post mortem findings reinforced the fact that Hendra virus commonly infects blood vessel lining in multiple tissues in the body leading to vascular damage and vasculitis. The different signs shown by infected horses can be attributed to the level of damage in different organs and the individual's response to the damage.
This highlights the possibility of variable clinical signs for future cases.
It was found that infected horses may shed Hendra virus in the incubation period. This means that horses can shed virus BEFORE they show clinical signs.
Dr. Nigel Perkins said, “infected horses might shed the virus while in the incubation stages of disease and it was possible RVC employees Dr. Ben Cunneen and Natalie Beohm may have caught the virus while treating a horse that was not yet displaying clinical signs of the virus.”
This is vital for the development of risk management strategies for people dealing with horses.
Minimising the risk of Hendra virus
The most effective method for preventing exposure to Hendra virus is via a risk management and appropriate biosecurity precautions (Personal protective equipment PPE, and decontamination).
Dr. David Lovell, owner of the RVC said, “his employees were always very cautious, but he would welcome a tightening of basic safety regulations across the equine veterinary industry.” He said wearing gloves and masks would be a “good general precaution” for all equine vets, more stringent biosecurity measures should be employed on a common sense basis. “Every time you deal with any horse in any situation an individual has to make a judgement of the risk.”
QHC will be looking at running PPE, biosecurity training and preparedness programs as part of our Emergency Response Plan in 2009.
It is important for commercial horse operators to have pre-existing arrangements in their risk management plan for dealing with bodies that are suspicious or confirmed Hendra cases and that require disposal away from the infected property.
Further important information can be gained from the QHC Hendra Virus Advice for Horse Owners & Carers and DPI&F Hendra virus: Important information for horse owners, which can be found on our website.
Euthanasia of live sero-positive horses
A specific expert group was asked to review the existing national policy, indicating confirmed Hendra virus positive horses are to be humanely destroyed.
The recommendation to euthanase apparently recovered sero-positive horses was based on review of existing knowledge about Hendra and closely related Nipah viruses and the importance of minimising human exposure risk over time. Evidence supports the possibility of recrudescence (reactivation after a dormant phase) of Hendra virus infection.
Concerns were expressed that potential information could be gained from the “recovered” horses. The potential risk of recrudescence and viral shedding to people caring for sero-positive horses in quarantine over a long period of time was considered to outweigh any potential gain in scientific knowledge.
The possible option of horses to be housed at a secure facility such as Australian Animal Health Laboratory was not considered appropriate in terms of animal welfare.
The two horses that were euthanased showing no signs of the disease returned multiple positive tests from samples collected at post mortem.
DPI&F response
The reviewer felt the DPI&F response was, “implemented rapidly and managed successfully in that there were no further infections in people involved in the response, no further spread to horses once the response had been implemented, and there was no confirmed spread to other premises indicating that the infection had been constrained to single premises in each of the two locations.”
In the Future
QHC is looking forward to working with the DPI&F and other stakeholders such as Equine Veterinary Association in implementing an education/awareness program for Hendra virus
I highly recommend the book Spillover: A Memoir by Jennifer Crane an emotional account of the death of Jennifer's horse from Hendra disease.
On 14 June 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. A death that would receive national media coverage as only the sixth recorded case in country-regionAustralia and would result in an independent StateplaceQueensland Parliamentary Review.
Unknown to Jennifer, the large colony of flying foxes, camped in the neighbouring forest and spilling over onto her property in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, had brought with it the deadly Hendra virus that infected her horse and put her own life at risk. 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.
More information on this book can be found at: http://www.spillover.com.au/
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Hendra Virus Advice for Horse Owners & Carers
27th August 2008
Clinical Signs Seen in Horses
The following clinical signs have all been associated with Hendra Virus (HeV) cases but not all of these signs will be found in any one infected horse. HeV has to be considered as a possible cause in horses that:
 Rapid onset of illness;Fever (39-40 degrees Celcius);Rapid deterioration;Respiratory signs;Neurological signs (loss of balance, loss of vision, head tilt, circling);Elevated heart rate (recorded up to 100 beats/minute) ;Facial swelling.HeV is a notifiable disease which means that any person (including horse owners, carers and veterinarians) who suspects, diagnoses or confirms the presence of HeV must notify the nearest government biosecurity inspector immediately on:
Clearly state to the person answering the phone that you are calling in regards to a suspect case of HeV.
Reduce the Risk - Biosecurity Considerations for Horses
The steps below can help to reduce the risk of your horse getting infected with HeV:
Do not place feed and water containers under trees, particularly if flying foxes are attracted to those trees;Ideally, remove horses from paddocks where there are flowering /fruiting trees (eg. mango, fig). Return the horses after the trees have stopped flowering/fruiting; Do not use feed that might be attractive to flying foxes- fruit/vegetables or foods that are sweet (molasses);Ensure all equipment used with horses is clean before use and between use on different horses. This includes equipment such as nasogastric tubes, teeth rasps. Hendra virus is very susceptible to detergents, soaps and the following disinfectants:
Phenols, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs), Biguanides, Iodophores)Practical examples of these are DettolTM, alcoholic chlorhexidine, iodine solutions (BetadineTM) and SavlonTM. (sourced : AUSVETPLAN)
Iodine solutions are inactivated by organic material (manure, blood etc) so this should be washed off before using this disinfectant.
The incubation period in horses (time from exposure to first signs) is between 5 and 16 days. Once a horse is showing clinical signs the illness progresses rapidly over a few days.
Reduce the Risk - Biosecurity Considerations for People
Although uncommon, horse to human infections has resulted from close contact with infected horses. HeV can cause life-threatening illness and people should be cautious with possible cases and ensure personal safety of themselves, their workers and others whenever there is a suspicion of HeV. HeV is NOT highly infectious and the spread of infection between horses and people can be minimised by good biosecurity measures such as:
Wash hands with soap and water regularly during and after handling multiple horses;Wear appropriate clothing and gloves to reduce contact with saliva and other discharges from sick horses;Keep unwashed hands away from you eyes, mouth and nose.If you have concerns about possible exposure of people to HeV immediately contact:
Workplace Health & Safety Precautions
Employers of businesses involving handling horses have a duty of care to provide a safe work place. A plan for responding to a potential HeV case should be developed to prevent or minimise the risk to workers and others.
This is a complex area, anyone requiring advice or more details should contact:
Background
Hendra virus (HeV) was first isolated in 1994 and it is considered an emerging disease. Stringent biosecurity measures are necessary as the virus has the potential to be a serious disease that can transfer from animals to people (zoonosis). Although uncommon, horse to human infections have resulted from close contact with infected horses. HeV has caused death in 3 people. There are important public health and workplace health and safety issues that need to be considered by all people in contact with horses and careful management of any possible HeV situation is required.
HeV has been confirmed on eleven properties, ten of these are in Queensland and one in northern NSW.
Flying foxes are the natural reservoir of HeV. How HeV transmission occurs between flying foxes and from flying foxes to horses is not yet known. Virus has been identified in the birthing fluids, placental material and aborted pups of flying foxes. The scientific information available for HeV is not complete and is still the subject of on going research.
Find out More (Click on these links):
Please note:
This set of guidelines is compiled for distribution for Queensland Horse Council Inc members and affiliates. It is based on the guidelines produced by DPI&F and information found on the DPI&F website. This information has addressed the clinical signs shown in horses and husbandry and biosecurity measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of HeV to horses and people. The content is based on what is currently known about HeV and what is believed to be true as at August 2008. As HeV is an area of on going research the information provided is subject to alteration when further knowledge is gained. This is by no means a comprehensive document relating to Hendra Virus (HeV) and links will be provided should further information be required.
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HENDRA VIRUS NEWS - 12th August 2008
The following press release has just been issued by the Queensland Government
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F)
Horse to be put down to prevent spread of Hendra Virus
The owner of a racehorse which appeared to have recovered from Hendra virus has been advised that the national AusVetPlan requires the horse be euthanized to ensure it cannot infect humans or other horses in the future.
The advice was provided following a meeting of the chief veterinary officers from around Australia at which it was noted the AusVetPlan states any horse which has been confirmed with positive test results to Hendra must be destroyed.
The AusVetPlan is a nationally approved set of best practice policies for responding to emergency diseases.
The meeting also took advice from medical authorities and an expert group reviewed current scientific information about the risks associated with recovered horses.
Biosecurity Queensland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Ron Glanville, said there is a real risk the horse could relapse with the disease in the future and pose a risk to other horses or humans.
“The AusVet plan is very clear on what is required, to prevent any further spread of this highly fatal disease. In these cases, human health and safety must come first,” Dr Glanville said.
“In the interests of protecting people and horses from further infection, euthanasia is the most appropriate response,” he said.
Biosecurity Queensland, a specialist unit within the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, has been managing the response to the latest Hendra Virus outbreaks, at Redlands and Proserpine, in cooperation with the owners of the animals involved, local veterinarians and a range of stakeholder organisations.
For more information about Hendra virus, visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au
FRIDAY 8th AUGUST 2008
Dr Ron Glanville, Chief Biosecurity Officer, Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has advised that the NSW suspect case has turned out to be an issue with laboratory tests. Quote from NSW Sitrep:
"Current Situation and Developments
AAHL advised this morning that they have confirmed that the weak PCR test result was a false positive caused by a reaction to equine genome material in the samples from the suspect horse.
The suspicion that the horse was infected with Hendra virus has therefore been removed and the stable complex where the suspect horse is located has been released from quarantine. "
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HENDRA VIRUS UPDATE
24th July 2008
Sadly there is more disappointing news on the Hendra Virus.
Two staff members at the Redlands vet practice who had tested positive for the virus are currently in hospital. All members are united in their wish for a speedy recovery for both.
In more bad news, another two horses have tested positive to the virus.
While the outbreak at Redlands and Cannonvale are unrelated, all horse owners are urged to be vigilant, practice strict biosecurity and report any suspected case to the DPI&F.
Lorraine Decker
Secretary
Qld Horse Council Inc.
Ph. 07 5498 7202
Mob. 0407 626396
Media Release - Thursday 24 July 2008
Queensland Government
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F)
More horses from quarantined properties test positive for Hendra
Biosecurity Queensland has received test results which indicate another two horses – both from known infected properties – have tested positive to Hendra virus.
The results follow a post-mortem on a companion horse that died at Proserpine earlier this week, as well as an additional horse at a Redlands vet clinic that became sick overnight.
This takes the latest number of horses known to be infected with the rare virus since July to seven – with two known cases at Proserpine (Cannon Vale) and five at Redlands.
Dr Ron Glanville, Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer, said the new results, while very disappointing are not unexpected.
“We know Hendra virus can spread through the close contact of infected horses, so it is not a surprise that another two animals that had close contact with the previous cases have also now contracted the disease,” Dr Glanville said.
“For infection control and animal welfare reasons, Biosecurity Queensland will euthanize the latest horse to become infected at Redlands this afternoon, taking the number of horses to die from Hendra virus since July to six.
For more information about Hendra virus, visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
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HENDRA VIRUS UPDATE
16th July 2008
Yesterday the DPI&F confirmed that a staff member at the Redlands vet practice, where the Hendra Virus was detected last week, had tested positive for the virus and that a new outbreak of the Virus had been confirmed at a property at Cannonvale in North Queensland.
REDLANDS VET CLINIC STAFF MEMBER UPDATE
The staff member at the Redlands Vet practice who tested positive for the virus was admitted to a Brisbane hospital on Monday for observation and assessment and fortunately was well enough to return to his home on Tuesday afternoon.
The man was among a number of people tested for the virus and he will continue to be closely monitored with further tests.
To date all other people who have been in close contact with the infected horses at the Vet practice remain well.
Further testing of the other horses at the Redlands vet practice is continuing. The latest round of tests have been negative for the Hendra virus and there have been no further signs of illness.
NEW HENDRA VIRUS DIAGNOSIS IN NORTH QUEENSLAND
The DPI&F have issued a Press Release regarding the new outbreak at Cannonvale (near Proserpine) which is included in this email.
Dr Ron Glanville, Chief Biosecurity Officer, DPI&F, has confirmed that this latest outbreak is unrelated to the Redlands case and has kindly provided the following key points:-
 The new positive detection has been recorded in a horse that died at Cannonvale, near Proserpine on Friday 11 July 2008. This case is unrelated to the case at the veterinary hospital at Redlands. Clinical signs were more typical of the "classical" form of Hendra Virus. They included swelling of the muzzle and blood stained discharge from the mouth/nostrils. There was lung involvement at autopsy. Fresh tissue was collected by a private veterinarian following consultation with a DPI&F veterinarian. Samples tested positive by PCR test at Qld Health laboratory. Samples will be forwarded to AAHL for confirmatory testing. It is the companion to a horse that died on 4 July - thought at the time to be due to snakebite and not investigated further. A veterinary epidemiologist is currently visiting the property to investigate the situation and test the remaining companion horses (3-4). Anyone who has been in contact with these horses is also being tested.
______________________________________________
Queensland Government
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F)
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Media Release
Tuesday 15 July 2008
Hendra diagnosis in North Queensland unrelated to Brisbane case
A heightened awareness of the Hendra virus has led to a horse which died in Cannonvale over the weekend being diagnosed with the rare disease.
Biosecurity Queensland said although the case is completely unrelated to the recent cases of Hendra virus at a vet practice in Brisbane, it is not cause for alarm.
Dr Ron Glanville, Biosecurity Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer, said a local vet reported the horse’s unusual symptoms to DPI&F on Friday, with samples sent for priority laboratory testing on Saturday.
“There are more than half a million horses in Queensland and although Hendra cases are still rare, some cases are expected periodically,” Dr Glanville said.
“Fortunately, Hendra virus does not spread like equine influenza, and is very difficult to catch.
“The horse at Cannonvale has no connection to the vet practice in Brisbane, and all scientific evidence at the moment points to the timing being a coincidence,” Dr Glanville said.
“The recent news coverage of Hendra virus prompted the local Cannonvale vet to call Biosecurity Queensland, and I applaud this foresight,” he said.
Dr Glanville said this is not the first time that Queensland has dealt with two unrelated cases of Hendra in the same year. In fact, it has occurred four times previously since 1994.
“Every new case and new piece of information helps to increase our scientific understanding of this rare disease,” Dr Glanville said.
Biosecurity Queensland officers are investigating the Cannonvale property this morning. It will be placed under routine quarantine.
Further testing of other horses at the Redlands vet practice is continuing. The latest round of tests have been negative for Hendra virus and there have been no further signs of illness.
Hendra is a rare virus that affects horses. This is only the 11th known incident in Queensland.
For more information about Hendra Virus, including specific information for vets, visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
To report a sick horse call the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) on 13 25 23.
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HENDRA VIRUS UPDATE
9th JULY 2008 (10pm)
Subsequent to previous New Flashes on the Hendra Virus, Fiona Thompson (the QHC's recently appointed CEO) and I attended a Hendra Virus Control Group meeting this afternoon at the DPI&F, Brisbane, for a briefing.
The following Situation Report provides all the facts. A 'time line' history of the Hendra Virus indicates the relatively few incidents of Hendra Virus in Queensland.
The two attachments are well worth reading:
Hendra Virus - Community Information document which outlines the symptoms. People who have concerns about possible exposure to the virus should contact the Queensland Health Hotline on 13 Health (13 432584). Anyone who suspects symptoms in their horse should contact the DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Hendra Fact Sheet for Vets
The main points to remember are:
FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ONTO http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/health/3892.html" http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/health/3892.html
Hendra Virus Situation Queensland - 9 July 2008
Provided by Dr RJ Glanville - Chief Veterinary Officer, Biosecurity Queensland
Situation
1. On 7 July 2008, a veterinarian advised the Chief Veterinary Officer Queensland of unusual neurological cases in horses at his practice. The veterinarian was of the opinion the equine herpes virus was involved and sought advice on the matter.
2. A total of four horses were reported as being affected over a three week period from late June 2008.
One of the horses (Case 3) had been euthanased over the weekend of 5-6 July.
3. Biosecurity Queensland veterinarians attended the practice and secured all available samples, including post mortem samples (Case 1 & 3) and blood from Case 4. The blood samples from Case 3 and 4 were submitted for testing for exclusion of equine herpes virus and Hendra virus on 7 July 2008.
4. Due to the unusual nature of the disease situation, the clinic was quarantine under the
Stock Act 1915 on 7 July 2008.
5. At 16.30pm on 8 July 2008, Queensland Health confirmed two positive PCR results for Hendra virus for
Cases 3 and 4. In addition, serology on Case 2 was reported as Hendra positive. Samples have been dispatched to AAHL.
6. The case presumptively believed to be the index case was a long term resident of the hospital. It had deteriorated quickly after initially displaying ataxia and then rapidly progressing to being unable to be handled. The horse died on or about 26 June 2008. A brain sample and CSF fluid were taken at the time. The horse was a thoroughbred show horse. (Case 1)
7. The second case was a thoroughbred horse hospitalised for an eye ulcer. Approximately one week into the treatment, it developed mild neurological symptoms that developed further, before the horse recovered. Blood samples were taken from this horse. (Case 2)
8. The third case was a pony hospitalised and treated for a nasal fungal tumour. It was hospitalised for three weeks prior to developing neurological signs. The horse deteriorated and was euthanased on 5 July 2008. A full set of samples is available for this horse (Case 3).
9. The fourth case was an Australian Stockhorse hospitalised for a bilateral jaw fracture. The horse become ataxic on 7 July and deteriorated rapidly. It was euthanased on 8 July 2008 after becoming unmanageable (and subsequent to positive PCR result). Samples are available from this horse, including fresh lung samples. (Case 4)
10. The presenting symptoms in affected horses included ataxia, head tilt, facial nerve paralysis in addition to increased temperatures and purple mucous membranes.
11. There are 37 horses on site at the veterinary practice. All these horses will be tested today 8 July (blood and nasal swabs).
12. Decontamination procedures are underway at the practice under supervision of Biosecurity
Queensland.
13. Queensland Health has visited the practice and sampled all persons considered at risk of exposure.
Follow up samples will be secured in 14 days time. Counselling has also been provided.
CONSIDERATIONS/ISSUES
14. This is an unusual presentation of Hendra virus, with neurological symptoms the main presentation.
15. Hendra virus was not the initial differential diagnosis in any of the four cases.
16. There are no known bat colonies in the immediate vicinity of the practice.
17. Full epidemiological investigation and tracing of all horses is currently underway.
18. There is considerable media interest in this outbreak. Emphasis is being given that this is not equine influenza, not as infectious and broader industry implications are not expected.
19. It is expected that the practice will remain in quarantine for at least 2 weeks.
20. Further updates will be provided as more results or significant epidemiological information come to hand.
21. Consideration is being given what additional support may be required for the practice as a consequence of the quarantine period.
22. Consideration needs to be given to the future disposition of the recovered horse. Following the 1994 outbreak recovered horses were euthanased owing to the risk of relapse. Biosecurity Queensland has established an expert group to review current scientific knowledge in this regard.
23. Text of updated information sheets for the public and vets is attached. These will be posted on the DPI&F website.
Lorraine Decker
Secretary
Qld Horse Council Inc.
Ph. 07 5498 7202
Mob. 0407 626396
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 Important Community Information
Hendra virus is a very rare cause of disease in horses and humans and is not related to Equine Influenza.
Scientists believe Hendra virus is normally a virus of bats (flying foxes, fruit bats).
The few cases of Hendra virus infection in humans have been the result of very close contact with horses infected with the virus.
Reduce the Risk - Biosecurity Considerations
Hendra virus is not highly infectious.
The spread of infection between horses and people can be minimised by good biosecurity measures including:
ensuring high levels of personal hygiene, including washing hands after and between handling horsesensuring all equipment used with horses is clean before and between different horseswearing appropriate clothing or gloves to reduce contact with saliva and other discharges from sick horseskeeping unwashed hands away from your mouth, nose or eyes. Advice to Horse Owners
Managing Hendra virus does not involve movement restrictions for the general horse population. Movement is only restricted for properties under quarantine for Hendra virus.
Horse movements to events and other activities, including mixing of horses, can continue, however, sound biosecurity measures as outlined above should be practiced.
People working with horses, such as such as farriers, equine dentists and chiropracters, strappers, vets, or feed delivery merchants should also follow sound biosecurity procedures.
Contact your local veterinarian if you notice changes in the health of your horses or suspect they may be infected with Hendra virus.
Signs that may suggest your horse is infected with Hendra virus include:
respiratory signs, including frothy nasal discharge and elevated body temperature > 40 0C neurological changes, including abnormal muscle twitching, weakness and loss of balance. Find out More
Contact the Queensland Health Hotline on 13 Health (432584) if you have concerns about possible exposure of people to Hendra virus.
More information is available at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 25 23.
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Hendra Virus
Important Information for Veterinarians
Hendra Virus is a notifiable disease in Queensland
Hendra virus (HeV, previously known as Equine morbillivirus) is a rare, but potentially fatal, zoonotic disease of horses and humans. Studies have shown that other species, including cats, are susceptible to experimental infection with HeV, but HeV infection of other species is not known to occur naturally.
HeV may be spread between horses and between horses and humans via close contact and previous cases suggest infection via mechanical transmission.
Research suggests that bats (flying foxes, fruit bats) are the natural host for HeV and that spill-over to horses occurs as a rare event. The route of infection between bats and horses is unknown.
Reduce the Risk - Biosecurity Considerations
Stringent biosecurity measures are necessary when dealing with horses known or suspected of having HeV infection, because of the important public health and workplace health and safety issues. Keeping horses away from flying foxes may prevent the spill-over of HeV from bats to horses.
HeV infection is a notifiable disease under Queensland Legislation.
Veterinarians should contact the DPI&F as soon as they suspect a case of HeV in horses or other animals. It is strongly recommended veterinarians seek advice from DPI&F in the investigation of suspect HeV cases.
Advice to Veterinarians/Animal Professionals
HeV infection of horses and humans has occurred as two forms:
Respiratory HeV
Peracute or acute illness
Frothy nasal discharge
Facial oedema
Body temperature > 40 0C
Elevated heart rate (>90 beats/minute)
Neurological Hev (primarily seen in the latest cases - July 2008)
Mild focal neurological signs, including muscle twitching
Ataxia
Head tilt, facial nerve paralysis
Elevated body temperature
Neurological signs may resolve
To report suspicion of HeV infection contact the DPI&F via :
DPI&F Call Centre 13 25 23
Disease watch Hotline 1800 675 888
Find out More
More information, including detailed guidelines for handling suspect HeV cases, is available from www.dpi.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 25 23.
Contact the Queensland Health Hotline on 13 Health (432584) if you have concerns about possible exposure of people to HeV.
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NEWS FLASH - HENDRA VIRUS
UPDATE 9 JULY 08
LOCK DOWNS ARE NOT BEING CONSIDERED
In response to concerns about possible lock downs as a result of the Hendra Virus outbreak, the DPI&F is confident that the infection will be contained at the Vet Clinic and community lock downs will not be required.
Competitors can attend competitions this weekend with confidence.
The Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries The Honourable Tim Mulherin issued the attached Press Release on 8th July 2008.
Lorraine Decker
Secretary
Qld Horse Council Inc.
Ph. 07 5498 7202 Mob. 0407 626396
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NEWS FLASH - HENDRA VIRUS
Dr Ron Glanville, Chief Veterinary Officer, Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries notified me on 8th July that there is an outbreak of the Hendra Virus at a Vet Clinic in the Redlands area.
The clinic has been quarantined which includes some 39 horses. To date 3 horses have died and tests are ongoing on others to confirm or rule out the Virus.
At this stage the cause of the outbreak of the virus is not know.
The DPI&F are confident that the strict quarantine procedures in place at the Redlands Clinic will contain the virus but everyone is asked to be vigilant.
Lorraine Decker
Secretary
Qld Horse Council Inc.
Ph. 07 5498 7202
Mob. 0407 626396
08/07/08
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