Fifth Horse Dead from Hendra in NSW

 

A fifth horse has died from Hendra virus on a property near Mullumbimby, on the NSW North Coast.

The property has been quarantined and movement restrictions are in place for all horses and domestic animals, including dogs and cats.

There are eight other horses on the quarantined property. One is showing signs of illness but has been initially tested negative for Hendra. The others are currently showing no signs of illness. 

There are three cats and two dogs on the property – all will be assessed in line with NSW DPI’s policy for companion animals.

The Mullumbimby area property is the fourth in NSW affected by Hendra virus after properties at Wollongbar, Macksville and Lismore were quarantined earlier in the month.

Hendra in NSW snapshot (since 30/6/2011):

• 4 properties have been confirmed positive for the Hendra virus
• 87 properties have been confirmed as negative for the Hendra virus, with further confirmatory antibody testing still underway on some properties
• Awaiting results for 2 samples.

 

Hendra Virus and companion animals

NSW DPI’s policy is to routinely test all companion animals that are assessed as having had or been likely to have had close contact with an infected horse.

All animals at infected NSW properties have been assessed as being low risk.

Three dogs and two cats have so far been tested for Hendra and were all negative.

Any properties on which Hendra virus is identified are quarantined and movement restrictions are imposed on all horses, dogs, cats, pigs, guinea pigs and ferrets on the property.

NSW DPI recommends that people keep dogs and cats away from sick horses (suspect Hendra virus cases) to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.

Premiers Commit $6 Million To Cross Border Hendra Research

NSW Premier Barry O‟Farrell and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh have announced an additional $6 million funding to boost vital research into the Hendra virus

Report by www.dpi.nsw.gov.au