Hendra virus
The information and links on this page give you access to the latest advice from key agencies about Hendra virus.
From 1994 to 2010 inclusive, there had been 14 sporadic, separate incidents of Hendra virus infection in horses as a result of spill-over of infection from flying foxes (also called fruit bats) which are the natural hosts of this virus. All but one of these incidents was in coastal Queensland, with the other being in north-east New South Wales (NSW).
Transmission of the virus from an infected horse to one or more companion horses sometimes occurs, usually through very close contact. Humans have sometimes been infected with the virus from sick horses in Queensland. Tragically four of the seven people infected during the period 1994 to 2010 have died and one reportedly has serious, ongoing health problems. Five of the seven were either veterinarians or were assisting veterinarians.
Starting in June 2011, a number of further incidents of Hendra virus infection in horses have been identified by veterinary authorities in Queensland and NSW. Information on the incidents in these states, on how to minimise the risk of horses becoming infected with Hendra virus and ongoing research into this virus are available from the following websites.
Queensland Government Primary Industries and Fisheries
- situation updates for horse industries, horse owners and veterinarians
- overview of Hendra virus
- guidelines for veterinarians handling potential Hendra virus infection in horses
- guidelines for horse industries and horse owners
NSW Industry and Investment, Primary Industries
- bulletins for industry
- bulletins for veterinarians
- guidelines for veterinarians
- guidelines for horse owners
- questions and answers
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- information on Hendra virus
- the department's role
- questions and answers
CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory
- background on Hendra virus
- research findings
- current research
- biocontainment
Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases
- research objectives
- research questions