150,000 Doses of Lifesaving Protection Against Hendra virus Now Administered to Australian horses

Veterinary and equine industries help Equivac HeV reach an important milestone in protecting Australia from this lethal disease As the one year anniversary of the development of the Hendra virus horse vaccine approaches, this lifesaving prevention has reached an important milestone, with more than 150,000 doses of Equivac HeV now administered to horses nationwide. 

Launched on 1 November 2012, Equivac HeV is the most effective tool in Australia’s arsenal against this deadly disease, providing at least six months of protection that prevents horses from contracting the virus and passing it on to other horses and humans.

Developers of the vaccine, CSIRO and Zoetis, understand that this landmark could not have been reached without the support of veterinarians and the equine community.

“The veterinary and equine industries have been critical to this encouraging spike in vaccination numbers,” said Dr Stephanie Armstrong from Zoetis.

“Veterinarians and leaders in the equine community have gone to great lengths to ensure that the public understand the role of the vaccine and the devastating impacts of a Hendra infection. These individuals and groups have rallied public support through evening education sessions, vaccination events, local marketing campaigns and one-on-one consultations; efforts that have contributed to the safety of their colleagues and community,” said Dr Armstrong.

CSIRO’s lead researcher in the development and testing of Equivac HeV, Dr Deborah Middleton, veterinary pathologist, is pleased to see that the uptake of the vaccine has increased in the last five months.

“As a veterinarian, it is great to see how supportive the industry has been of Equivac HeV,” said Dr Middleton.

“I have seen first-hand how Hendra has created difficult working conditions for my colleagues and greater uptake of this vaccine will not only make their working lives easier, but it will also help protect them and their staff from a potentially fatal Hendra infection.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh congratulated Zoetis on their dedication to rolling out the Hendra virus vaccine for horses.

“Zoetis have been very proactive in providing education and awareness about the vaccine and I commend the veterinary community and Queensland horse owners who have made the decision to have their horses vaccinated,” Mr McVeigh said. However horse owners shouldn’t become complacent, even after vaccination. The Queensland Government still recommends the use of good personal hygiene and biosecurity measures when working with horses, regardless of their vaccination status.

"Horse owners should discuss vaccination with their veterinarian, and familiarise themselves with other measures to reduce the risk of Hendra virus infection.”

Member for Ashgrove Campbell Newman said vaccination was the primary weapon in the fight against the spread of the Hendra virus.

“Vaccination is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses and in turn can help to protect owners and others who may be in close contact with these animals,” Mr Newman said.

“I encourage horse owners to download an information pack from the Biosecurity Queensland website at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au.”

Zoetis is asking veterinarians for continued vigilance to ensure that Australians and their horses are protected against this potentially lethal zoonotic disease, which can be transmitted to humans.

“While we have reached this important milestone, it is important that we continue to protect our horses against the virus. This disease doesn’t give any second chances, so it’s critical to take a preventative approach to protect veterinarians, their clients and the wider community in Australia,” said Dr Armstrong.

Today’s announcement should encourage horse owners that have not yet chosen to vaccinate to protect their horses and staff. Among the doses administered, only 0.22 per cent of cases have reported minor adverse events, placing Equivac HeV in line with other vaccines on the market.

For more information on the Hendra virus and Equivac HeV, horse owners should visit www.health4horses.com.au.