Queensland records first fatal case of deadly virus in three years
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Sky News AU
20 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Hendra virus detected in Queensland causing authorities across the country to issue a health alert
Health authorities and epidemiologists across the country have issued a warning to equestrian owners to vaccinate their horses following detection of the Hendra virus in southeast Queensland. Biosecurity Queensland and Queensland Health are now working to manage the risk to humans and other animals. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries released a statement on Sunday confirming the incident. Biosecurity Queensland acting chief veterinary officer Fiona Thompson said staff were working closely with the horse owner to ensure the risk was contained on the property. 'Unfortunately, in this case, the deceased horse had not been vaccinated for Hendra virus,' Dr Thompson said. Dr Thompson said the property was under active surveillance, and health authorities had already assessed potential exposure to other animals and people. 'Tracing and exposure assessments have been undertaken on other horses and animals on the property,' she said. 'We are also working with Queensland Health in relation to humans who may have had contact with the infected horse so their experts can manage the health of people involved.' Queensland Chief Health Officer Heidi Carroll confirmed that public health staff had already contacted those believed to have been exposed. 'While the Hendra virus can spread from horses to people, it is rare,' Dr Carroll said. Racing Queensland also released a statement encouraging owners to vaccinate their horses. 'The horse involved was not a racehorse. The location of the property has not been disclosed at this time,' the statement read. 'Racing Queensland joins Biosecurity Queensland in encouraging owners to vaccinate their horses.' Catherine Bennett at Deakin University says the virus can jump from horse to human if a human comes into contact with an infected horse. "There have been 66 outbreaks since Hendra first reported in 1994, resulting in the death of 90 horses. 7 human cases were associated with these outbreaks, and whilst that's very uncommon (7 cases in 30 years), sadly 4 of these people passed away so if humans are infected, it's a very serious disease," Ms Bennett told She added it is possible for the disease to spread to other states and territories. "The spread depends on the range of the larger flying fox bats that carry the virus, and where this overlaps with areas where horses are stabled. This is mainly in the northern and eastern parts of the country with coastal QLD and NSW having the larger colonies of bats, and therefore more risk of these spillover events," she told us. But she told us that the disease can be prevented through vaccination, something that has been in use since 2012 which can prevent other horses from getting the virus.
9 News
a day ago
- 9 News
Queensland records first fatal case of deadly virus in three years
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Australia has recorded another fatal case of the Hendra virus — a deadly disease that can spread from horses to humans. Hendra virus is a severe and often fatal infection that starts in flying foxes and is more commonly spread to horses. It can be transferred to dogs and humans in rare cases. Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed an unvaccinated horse tested positive for the virus in the south-east on Friday, and later died after its condition rapidly deteriorated. Australia has recorded another fatal case of the Hendra virus. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) It is the state's first case of the virus since 2022. Biosecurity Queensland is working with the horse owner to contain the risk to the property. "Tracing and exposure assessments have been undertaken on other horses and animals on the property," Biosecurity Queensland Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Fiona Thompson said. "We are also working with Queensland Health in relation to humans who may have had contact with the infected horse so their experts can manage the health of people involved." Queensland Health has contacted everyone known to have been exposed to the infected horse. "While the Hendra virus can spread from horses to people, it is rare. We know from past cases of Hendra virus infection in horses that most people exposed remain well and don't contract the infection," Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said. "People who are assessed as having a high level of exposure to the infected horse will undergo prioritised testing for the virus." Racing Queensland confirmed the infected horse was not a racehorse and joined authorities in urging anyone concerned about possible infection to contact their veterinarian immediately and avoid contact with the horse until test results are obtained. A Mt Alford property quarantined while the horses and residents are tested for Hendra virus in 2011. (Michelle Smith) The first recorded outbreak of Hendra virus was at a large racing stable in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra in 1994. There have been more than 90 horses infected since, all of which have died as a result of the virus or euthanasia. Seven people have been infected with the virus and four have died, with the most recent in 2009. The exact transmission is unknown, but Queensland Health believes horses contract the disease from coming into contact with material contaminated by infected flying fox fluids and excretions. It is then believed to spread from horse to horse through contact with infectious body fluids and contaminated equipment. The seven human cases all became infected after a high level of exposure to infected horses, predominantly in veterinary-like situations. Symptoms in humans include influenza-like illness, with symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, tiredness and encephalitis, with symptoms of headache, high fever, drowsiness, convulsions and coma. Hendra virus is a zoonotic disease. (Getty) The time between exposure to an infected horse to a human contracting the virus has varied between five to 21 days. Symptoms in horses are harder to recognise. Early signs can include fever, increased heart rate, restlessness, weakness and muscle twitching. Horses can be vaccinated against the Hendra virus, but humans cannot. "Hendra virus infection can occur throughout the year, so it's important that horse owners and people in contact with horses take steps to protect themselves and their animals at all times," Thompson said. "We'd urge them to continue to practice good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures — even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus. "If a horse becomes sick, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately." Biosecurity Queensland advises people to wash their hands regularly after touching horses, cover wounds with a waterproof dressing, wear personal protective equipment and wash unprotected skin if it comes into contact with a horse's body fluids and manure. health queensland national Australia animals Disease CONTACT US
The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Queensland records first fatal case of deadly virus in three years
A Queensland horse has died from Hendra virus — a deadly disease that can spread from horses to humans.
