Hendra Virus Update

Biosecurity Queensland officers continue to monitor 36 horses at the quarantined Kuranda property in Far North Queensland where Hendra virus was confirmed on Tuesday 12 July.

Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said the officers were working cooperatively with the property owners and Queensland Health.

'These officers will continue to assess and sample the horses on the property, and to trace their contact with any other horses," Dr Symons said.

"We need to complete three negative rounds of testing on each horse before the quarantine can be lifted and this typically takes around 32 days."

Dr Symons said there were currently nine properties under quarantine for Hendra virus in Queensland and there have been six confirmed Hendra virus horse deaths in the state this year.

"Across Queensland, 76 horses are being monitored daily, including the 36 at Kuranda," he said.

Biosecurity Queensland is providing opportunities for horse owners in Far North Queensland to access the latest Hendra virus information, including the following information seminar next week:

Date	Time	Location	Address
Wednesday 20 July	6-8pm	Kuranda District State College	260 Myola Road, Kuranda (Senior Campus Hall)

 

Biosecurity Queensland officers will also be on hand at the following locations to provide comprehensive Hendra virus information packs and to answer questions:

Date	Time	Location	Address
Saturday 16 July	12-4pm	Mareeba Rodeo	Kerribee Park, Mareeba
Saturday 16 July	9-12pm	Koah Roadhouse	Kennedy Highway (between Mareeba and Kuranda)
Sunday 17 July	10am-2pm	Ravenshoe Pony Club	48 Woorooro Road, Ravenshoe
Monday 18 July	9am-4pm	Mareeba IGA	Centenary Park, Mareeba
Tuesday 19 July	9am-4pm	Kuranda Foodworks	Smithfield Shopping Centre

For more information about Hendra virus, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, or visit http://www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au/