A herd of superb, healthy horses.  People are so concerned about flying foxes in their areas they are considering putting down perfectly healthy horses.  Photo courtesy Heavy Thunder.

1st August 2011. Hello Everyone and Welcome.  Well…We have had a number of emails regarding the Hendra Virus which is understandably distressing many people.  A discussion then followed with a friend of ours whom is an equine veterinarian about…

How To Reduce The Hendra Virus Risk For You And Your Horse

During our discussion it became clear to us that people are becoming increasingly alarmed about the situation.   And the Hendra Virus is of particular concern for those living in flying fox inhabited areas.

We must say we can’t blame people…But it is truly sad when horse owners are so frightened they seriously consider putting down perfectly healthy animals.  These animals have more than likely been family members for many years.  They are probably much loved and cherished.

But it would seem, for some, it is a matter of survival…

So we asked ourselves, ‘what can we do as responsible horse owners to stop our horses and ourselves from being infected?’ 

Ultimately we all make our own decisions and hopefully our decisions are beneficial for both people and horses alike.  As most of us realize, the decisions we make today can impact us in the future. 

It would be gratifying if we could all look back in hindsight and say, ‘I’m pleased I decided to do that.’

Dr Mary Carr, PIRSA Biosecurity – Animal Health wrote an article in May 2010 designed to help horse owners deal with the flying fox situation.  Dr Carr lives in South Australia which highlights the fact equine professionals and scientists around the country are concerned.  And Dr Carr has made a number of suggestions which might be helpful:

·         If possible, remove horses from paddocks where flowering trees have resulted in a temporary surge in flying fox numbers.  Return the horses after the trees have stopped flowering

·         Wash your hands regularly with soap and water during and after handling multiple horses

·         Make sure gear exposed to any body fluids from horses is cleaned and disinfected before it is used on any other horses.  This includes items like halters, lead ropes and twitches.  Talk to your vet about cleaning agents and disinfectants to use.

For any further suggestions please contact Mary Carr, PIRSA Biosecurity – Animal Health 08 8207 7872

Something also worth considering may be temporarily agisting healthy horses in a known flying fox free area, if that option is at all possible.  Another possibility may be perhaps you can keep your horses in a completely closed in environment while the bats are in your area.

And be mindful of your movements.  If you go near, or enter, a bat affected area, please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothes and yourselves.

We shouldn’t forget there is also a vaccination currently being developed.   The CSIRO’s current goal is to have the vaccine developed and available to vets and horse owners by 2012.  

Dr Deborah Middleton from CSIRO’s Animal Health Laboratory believes, “A horse vaccine is crucial to breaking the cycle of Hendra virus transmission from flying foxes to horses and then to people, as it prevents both the horse developing the disease and passing it on.”

But in the meantime, until this vaccine is fully developed, all equine professionals agree prevention is far better than any attempt to cure this disease.  And if we can take appropriate action we could very well prevent the disease from taking any further toll on either our horses or us.

Although Dr Carr believes the Hendra virus is, “an extremely uncommon virus.”  It can be fatal in both horses and people as most of us know.

We sincerely hope this information has helped and look forward to having your company and seeing you again soon.

Cheers

Paul and Jann

Whilst we at Heavy Thunder love to help please note the use of this information is at your own risk.  Please refer to our Disclaimer Policy by clicking on the following link www.heavythunder.com/disclaimer

For further information on the Hendra Virus please go to www.heavythunder.com.au/newdesign/  and www.csiro.au/MediaCentre