Hendra virus

Hendra virus is a zoonotic virus, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

The natural host of Hendra virus is the flying fox (fruit bat).

Occasionally, the virus can spread from flying foxes to horses but rarely, from horses to humans.

Infection has also occurred in a dog and it is possible other animals can get infected.

Where it's found

Since the discovery of Hendra virus in 1994 until March 2012, more than 50 horses have been infected.

In that time, there has also been 7 confirmed infections in humans in Queensland (QLD).

Unfortunately, 4 of these people died with the most recent in 2009.

Currently, the outbreaks have been restricted to QLD and northern New South Wales.

No known cases of infection in horses nor humans have occurred in the NT despite large flying fox populations.

However, there is evidence that Hendra virus exists in flying foxes in the NT so there is potential for spread to horses.

The exact route of Hendra virus is unknown.

However, horses may contract it from eating food contaminated by flying fox urine, saliva or birth products.

Spread of the infection to other horses can then follow, especially where horses are in close contact with one another.

Horses can be infectious for some days before they get sick.

The 7 confirmed human cases all became infected following close contact with respiratory secretions or blood from an infected horse.

There is no evidence of transmission from one human to another.

There is also no evidence that it can be passed directly from:

Hendra virus is killed by heat, drying and cleaning with detergents and disinfectant products.

To prevent horse infection, you should:

A Hendra virus vaccine for horses has been also developed and was released in November 2012.

To prevent human infection:

standard hygiene practices should be performed in all contact with horses
use gloves, eye protection, respirator (mask) and overalls - if you're coming into contact with body fluids from a horse
gently encourage bleeding and then wash the area with soap and water or a waterless cleanser or antiseptic - If exposure to horse involves a cut or puncture wound
cover any cuts or abrasions with a waterproof dressing
regularly wash your hands well with soap and water:
- after handling a horse's mouth or nose
- before eating, smoking or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

To find out more, go to the NT Health website.

Much of the information here is derived from the Queensland Health Hendra virus infection resource kit.

For more information, go to the Queensland Government's Department of Health website.

If a person has come into contact with an infected horse, they should contact: