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IMPORTANT HENDRA VIRUS INFORMATION
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BiosecurityQldIndustryCommunication
29 Jun 2011
BIOSECURITY QLD INDUSTRY COMMUNICATION
BIOSECURITY ALERT HENDRA VIRUS
On Tuesday 28 June 2011, samples from a horse were tested and found to be positive for Hendra virus.
The horse was from a property in the Beaudesert area.
The horse was reported as becoming suddenly ill and a private vet visited on Saturday 25 June 2011.
The horse was depressed, with hind limb incoordination, fever, respiratory distress and congested mucous membranes. The horse died the following day.
Biosecurity Queensland has quarantined two properties in the Beaudesert area and is working with affected horse and property owners in conjunction with other government agencies.
Restrictions are in place on the quarantined properties and apply to the movement of horses and other items onto and off the properties.
No other movement restrictions for Hendra virus are in place for horses in Queensland.
The movement of people onto and off the quarantined properties is not restricted, however good biosecurity practices should continue to be observed.
Hendra virus is not related to Equine Influenza virus. Hendra virus is not considered to be highly contagious between horses.
A community engagement program has commenced including the relocation of the DEEDI mobile office to Beaudesert.
More information about Hendra virus is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or by following Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter.
Horse owners are urged to review their biosecurity procedures and contact their veterinarian if they suspect Hendra virus.
Horse event organisers are encouraged to review their biosecurity plans.
More information
Notify suspected Hendra virus cases by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 (during business hours) or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24-hour hotline). More information is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
Contact your GP, local Emergency Department or local Public Health Unit if you have concerns about possible exposure of people to a horse with Hendra virus infection. General enquiries about Hendra virus infection in humans may be directed to the Queensland Health Hotline on 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Contact Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 369 915 or visit
www.worksafe.qld.gov.au if you need information about managing Hendra virus risks at workplaces.
Dr. Rick Symons
Chief Veterinary Officer
Biosecurity Queensland
Biosecurity alert
Hendra virus – information for industry
29 June 2011
Copyright 2005 Australian Horse Industry Council
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