National pests & disease outbreaks

Hendra virus

The information and links on this page give you access to the latest advice from key agencies about Hendra virus.

Situation update

From 1994 to 2012 inclusive, there had been 77 sporadic confirmed cases of Hendra virus infection in horses. Most have been as a result of spill–over of infection from flying foxes (also called fruit bats) which are the natural hosts of this virus. These cases have all occurred in Queensland and in north–east New South Wales.

In January 2013, Hendra virus was detected in a flying fox in South Australia. Around 100 flying foxes that had died in the North Adelaide parklands from heat stress were sampled with one of the bats testing positive to Hendra virus. This is not an unexpected result; it has always been assumed that flying foxes share a similar health status across the southern states of Australia.

The virus has not been detected in horses in South Australia.

About Hendra virus

Transmission of the virus from an infected horse to one or more companion horses sometimes occurs, usually through very close contact. People have sometimes been infected with the virus from sick horses. Tragically four of the seven people infected during the period 1994 to 2012 have died and one reportedly has serious, ongoing health problems. Five of the seven were either veterinarians or were assisting veterinarians.

Prevention and biosecurity

It is important for all horse owners to have good biosecurity measures in place regardless of where they are located.

Priority biosecurity measures to help prevent Hendra virus infection include not allowing your horse(s) to be near fruiting and flowering trees that flying foxes may frequent, and covering feed bins and water troughs.

Further information

Incidents of Hendra virus infection in horses continue to be 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 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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 Department of Primary Industries