The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is urging owners to remain vigilant after a 24-year-old horse died from the Hendra virus near Newcastle.
The detection occurred at a property late on Tuesday 18 July, via testing at the DPI Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.
Chief veterinary officer Dr Jo Coombe said a private vet attended to the unvaccinated horse.
“It was depressed, uncoordinated, had a nasal discharge and high temperatures,” she explained.
“So, the attending vet collected samples for testing and notified the DPI Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
“NSW DPI and Local Land Services are working with the private veterinarian to undertake a risk assessment on the property.
“At this stage, no other animals are showing any signs of ill-health.
“Public Health Officers from Hunter New England Health are also undertaking risk assessments of any people who have had contact with the infected horse.
“Hendra virus infection is notifiable in NSW under the NSW Biosecurity Act.
“An Individual Biosecurity Direction to control the movement of animals and people on and off the property is now in place for at least 21 days.”
This is the first confirmed detection of Hendra virus in NSW since October 2021.
Previously, there had been 25 horse deaths in NSW on 24 properties, since the initial case in 2006.
Dr Coombe said the signs of Hendra virus infection were very non-specific early on.
“Vaccination of horses is the most effective way to protect them,” she added.
“Owners should also keep their horses away from flowering and fruiting trees that are attractive to bats.
“Do not place feed and water under trees and cover feed and water containers with a shelter so they cannot be contaminated from above.
“If your horse is unwell, keep people and animals away from the horse and call your private veterinarian immediately.”
Owners or private vets with concerns about a horse that may have Hendra virus should phone the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
For more news stories:
- ADF helicopters take to the skies around Newcastle, Williamtown
- Counting the cost of CN’s parking price hike
- Newcastle uni NTEU members celebrate ‘vital’ wins
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
