New Hendra Virus Case In Rockhampton

Biosecurity Queensland is managing a new Hendra virus case near Rockhampton after a positive test result was received last night.

Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said a foal had died from Hendra virus and two other horses and two dogs remain on the property. “Biosecurity Queensland has quarantined the property and will assess what contact the other horses and dogs had with the infected animal. The property will be quarantined for the next month,” Dr Symons said. “Movement restrictions will apply to moving horses and horse materials on and off the infected property. “Tracing will be a priority to determine what contact the deceased horse had with other animals on the property.” Queensland Health staff will undertake contact tracing work to ensure all people potentially exposed to the bodily fluids of the dead horse have been identified. Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reassured the community that transmission of the virus required close contact with body fluids of the sick horse. "Queensland Health stands ready to provide any assistance, counselling, information, testing or treatment that may be required." "Anyone who is concerned should contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). This is the fifth Hendra virus incident in Queensland this year. Three properties near Mackay remain under quarantine after a confirmed case of Hendra virus last month. The latest ‘Guidelines for veterinarians handling potential Hendra virus infections in horses’ has been updated and is readily available for veterinarians at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au For more information on Hendra virus contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au