Park Ridge Hendra Case 5th July 2011  

Update - Dr Kylie and the owner have since tested completely negative to the virus

What is it?

 The Hendra Virus (HeV) was first discovered in 1994 in the Brisbane district of Hendra. It is a lethal disease which can spread from animals to people. It is present in flying foxes, and can spread to horses (and is also proven to spread cats under laboratory conditions). The virus has been transmitted from horses to humans. The virus can be transmitted from horse to horse, but has not been shown to spread from human to human at this stage. Infection appears to occur through contact with bodily fluids of an infected being.

 Indications of possible Hendra contraction (as stated by the DPI):

 The following symptoms have all been associated with HeV cases, but not all of these symptoms will be found in any one infected horse:

• rapid onset of illness
• increased body temperature/fever
• increased heart rate
• discomfort/weight shifting between legs
• depression
• rapid deterioration.

Respiratory signs include:

• respiratory distress
• increased respiratory rates
• nasal discharge at death-can be initially clear progressing to stable white froth and/or stable blood-stained froth.

Neurological signs include:

• ‘wobbly gait,' progessing to ataxia (inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; unsteady movements and staggering gait)
• apparent loss of vision in one or both eyes
• aimless walking in a dazed state
• head tilting and circling
• muscle twitching
• urinary incontinence
• inability to rise.

A range of other observations have also been recorded in individual horses infected with HeV.

The following points, when combined with the above signs, could also support suspicion of HeV:

• Where there are multiple cases, a high rate of deaths occurs within 48 hours.
• Facial oedema (swelling due to fluid accumulation)
• Facial paralysis/lock-jaw
• Altered gait, high stepping
• Some cases have initially been reported as colic, as similar symptoms were present (quiet gut sounds, straining to pass manure)
• Hot hooves
• There are flying foxes in the area, although a lack of sightings does not exclude HeV.

 How to act if you suspect Hendra:

1. Immediately call your local vet (if it’s us, 5543 1213), and act on their advice. They may advise you to phone the DPI and the QLD Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) on 13 25 23 during business hours, or on 1800 675 888 after hours.
2. Shower and change clothes if you or someone you have come into contact with has handled a sick horse.
3. Stay away from other horses

Humans and horses alike have died from contracting this virus, therefore it is of the utmost importance that we handle any suspected case with extreme caution and care.

To do this, you should:

• Treat blood and other body fluids (especially lung and nasal discharges, saliva, and urine) and tissue as potentially infectious and take precautions to prevent any direct contact with, or splashback of, these body fluids.
• Protect all exposed skin, mucous membranes and eyes from direct contact and cover cuts and abrasions with a water-resistant dressing. Any cuts or abrasions that become exposed or contaminated should be cleansed thoroughly with soap and water. If available, an antiseptic with anti-virus action such as povidone-iodine, iodine tincture, aqueous iodine solution or alcohol (ethanol) should be applied after washing.

(DPI Guidelines)

For more information, go to: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/27_2900.htm

Please help to develope a vaccine for Hendra! We don't want to see any more horses, vets, trainers, or owners pass away as a result of contracting this horrific disease.

Here's the details as to how you can donate to making the vaccine, perhaps one day saving someone's life, or even your own!

To donate via the net: 

• BSB 034 189
• A/c no.: 300 490
• A/c name: QLD horse Council Hendra Vaccine Fund

If you require a receipt please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To donate via mail please send a cheque, payable to QLD Horse Council Hendra Vaccine Fund, crossed not negotiable:

QLD Horse Council Inc.

Hendra Vaccine Development Fund

438 Middle Rd.

Purga Qld   4306

Go to www.qldhorsecouncil.com for more info