STUD MIDDLE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
virus spreads from flying foxes to horses, (spillover events) causing severe disease, and may then spread to people or animals in close contact with infected horses (9). There is yet to be a case of Hendra virus in the Hunter. However, given the high level of horse movement between the Hunter and areas known to have had Hendra cases previously it is not inconceivable that it may occur. Horses with Hendra infection can shed virus prior to showing clinical signs therefore it is up to all of us to remain vigilant in looking out for potential Hendra cases, particularly in horses that have been transported from Queensland or the North Coast of NSW into our district. Cases appear to occur more frequently in the cooler months of the year - two cases have been confirmed in horses recently in FNQ & the North coast of NSW
- so the timing of movement of horses into the Valley for the breeding season coincides with the time of the year when Hendra cases are most likely to occur. Clinical Signs
Any sick horse – many and varied! Initial outbreak at Hendra.... respiratory signs/sudden death. Then over the years..... neurological signs. Then in recent years...... colic signs, weight shifting, general discomfort. Vaccination Vaccination for Hendra virus is the single most effective means of protecting horses, and therefore humans, from disease development. The vaccine is an adjuvanted subunit vaccine containing soluble sG protein which allows for identification of infected vs vaccinated horses. It is for use in healthy horses from 4 months of age and is for the active immunisation of horses against Hendra Virus as an aid in the prevention of clinical disease caused by Hendra virus. The course of vaccine administration involves two intramuscular (IM) doses 21 days apart and then periodic boosters. The onset of immunity is 21 days following the second dose.
Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre
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