After news of a Hendra virus diagnosis on a property near Port Douglas broke yesterday, we thought it was timely to give you the facts about the disease.

The following information has been sourced from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Foresty, and we've provided links should you require more information on each topic.

What is Hendra virus?

Hendra virus is a zoonotic disease, which means it can transfer from animals to people.

Hendra virus can cause disease in horses but only rarely in humans. It can be transmitted from flying fox to horse, horse to horse, and horse to human.

There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from flying fox to human, or human to horse, or human to human.

More information

How is the virus transmitted to horses?

The exact route of transmission is not known; however, it is thought that horses contract Hendra virus by eating material contaminated by infected flying fox body fluids and excretions.

Hendra virus has the potential to spread from horse to horse. This can occur through direct contact with infectious body fluids, or indirect contact via contaminated equipment that could transfer infectious body fluids from one horse to another.

Hendra virus is not very contagious and is more likely to occur in a single sick or dead horse than a number of horses. In paddock situations to date, most Hendra virus cases have involved one infected horse that has died without any companion horses becoming infected.

However, on several occasions, one or more companion horses have become infected after close contact with the first infected horse before or at the time of death.

More information on reducing the risk of horses becoming infected

What to look for

Hendra virus infection should be considered in any sick horse where the cause of illness is unknown, and, particularly, where there is rapid onset of illness, fever, increased heart rate and rapid deterioration associated with respiratory and/or nervous signs.

The mortality rate in affected horses is approximately 75 per cent.

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Reducing the risk of people becoming infected with Hendra virus

People have been exposed to Hendra virus while handling infected horses (including sick live horses and dead horses).

You need to be aware and carefully consider your safety whenever you suspect Hendra virus. Hendra virus can cause a life-threatening illness. Be cautious with sick horses, and always ensure the personal safety of yourself and others.

More information on reducing human infection

Who to contact if you suspect Hendra virus

If you, as a horse owner or carer, suspect Hendra virus infection, immediately contact your local veterinarian.

If you cannot reach your veterinarian, notify a government veterinarian or Biosecurity Queensland officer (you have a legal obligation to do this).

Notify Biosecurity Queensland of suspected Hendra virus cases by contacting:

• Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 (during business hours)
• Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24 hour hotline)

More information

How does a dog catch Hendra virus from a horse?

Current knowledge indicates dogs may be infected with Hendra virus by having close contact with a live or dead horse infected with Hendra virus.

Research continues to increase the understanding of how Hendra virus is transmitted between species.

Good hygiene practices should always be applied when dealing with sick horses. Owners should prevent dogs from having contact with sick horses.

More information about about dogs and Hendra virus