Overview and research updates on Hendra virus

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iStock image 2008	The Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Disease has been supporting research on the ecology and transmission of Hendra virus and realises the need to produce a document  (PDF 212B) synthesing the most up-to-date research findings.   Hendra virus was first isolated in 1994 after a disease outbreak in a racing stable less than 10km from Brisbane city. One horse trainer and 13 horses died, one stable hand was seriously ill and seven horses with high exposure to the virus had to be destroyed.  Subsequent incidents have led to the deaths of a further three people and 21 horses.   Shortly after the 1994 outbreak, researchers characterised the virus, developed laboratory tests to detect infection in human and animals, and identified flying foxes as the likely source of the virus.
Evidence suggests that the virus spills over from bats to susceptible horses, killing over 70% of the horses it infects. The virus then spreads to humans who have come into close contact with infected horses.   Research is still needed to answer many questions, such as how and where infection occurs, how Hendra persists in bat populations and how the virus is transmitted to horses and humans.    Hendra is a notifiable disease and suspected infections must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on: 1800 675 888. Signs to suggest horses may be infected with Hendra virus include acute onset, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, and rapid progression to death associated with either respiratory or neurological signs. See guidelines from Biosecurity Queensland for veterinarians handling potential Hendra Virus infection in horses.   The Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries website includes a clear summery of information on the Hendra Virus.