Passed from flying foxes to horses, and then from horses to humans, this virus has caused four human deaths and more than 67 horse deaths since 1994.
A Hendra virus vaccine for horses is now available in Australia, for more information please contact your equine veterinarian.
More info on development of the vaccine:
- Media release from Pfizer (PDF file): “Vaccine arrives to boost the fight against deadly Hendra virus”
- The Conversation: “How we developed the Hendra virus vaccine for horses”
For the latest updates:
- “Hendra Virus” page by Biosecurity Qld (Department of Primary Industries) – information on latest outbreaks, background, research, guidelines for vets, guiedlines for holding equestrian activities, horse and donkey biosecurity. Details of who to contact if you suspect Hendra virus in Qld
- “Hendra Virus” by NSW DPI - background and links to more information. Details of who to contact if you suspect Hendra virus in NSW.
- Hendra Virus Facebook page - No-one “likes” Hendra virus, but you can stay up to date on the latest outbreaks, information seminars and vaccine progress by “liking” this Facebook page.
- “Hendra Virus Update” from the Australian Veterinary Association
More information on horse and human health, including biosecurity and other practical measures to reduce the risks:
- Hendra Virus Fact Sheet (PDF file) by Qld Horse Council - background, symptoms, flying fox distribution map, and information on some of the incidences of the disease
- Hendra Virus – Reducing the Risk (PDF file) by Qld Horse Council - important information for everyone who has anything to do with horses in regions where flying foxes visit (Qld Horse Council)
- Hendra – Property Design (PDF file) by Qld Horse Council - tips for setting up your horse property (Qld Horse Council)
- Bats and Trees (PDF file) by Qld Horse Council - includes signs that bats may be visiting at night (Qld Horse Council)
- “Hendra Virus Infection” on the Queensland Health website – a very thorough page, with information on the disease in both horses and humans, including prevention, transmission and symptoms.
- “Hendra Virus” by CSIRO - background, scientific information and updates on research progress into the new vaccine for horses.
- “Hendra Awareness” - a concerned horse owner has started this page to share information, to petition for increased funding into research, and to raise her concerns with what she sees as a reactive rather than proactive approach to dealing with outbreaks of the disease.
Information for other states:
- Victoria - ”Hendra Virus (HeV), Information for Horse Owners and Workers” from the DPI
- South Australia - “Flying-foxes and Hendra virus – Advice for Horse Owners” from PIRSA