Help at hand for Hendra?

Hendra virus is a deadly disease that can lead to the deaths of both horses and humans. It is transmitted via bodily fluids from bats to horses and horses to humans.

A vaccine has been created however there is still much controversy surrounding it.

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The Hendra virus is found exclusively in Australia and was discovered in 1994 in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra when it caused the death of thirteen horses and a trainer. Fatality rates in humans are 60% and in horses is 75%.

The CSIRO conducted many years of research before releasing a vaccine, Equivac HeV, in 2012. At the time of release the vaccine was released under an Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) permit in response to the increase of Hendra virus cases at the time. The vaccine was fully registered with the APVMA on August 4th 2015.

Despite being a fully registered vaccine there is still a large amount of controversy surrounding its safety, as there have been 11 claims of it leading to the death of horses. The manufacturer, Zoetis, states that only seven have been classified as ‘possibly’ linked to the deaths.

Zoetis has said that with over 320,00 vaccinations being administered they have seen less than a 0.3 per cent reaction rate, which is typical of any vaccine. Despite these statistics there are still many owners who aren’t convinced and are strongly against the vaccine.

Horses nation wide are at risk of contracting the disease as it is found in all four-mainland species of flying foxes, which are found in all states and territories.

Canberra Equine Hospital veterinarian, Dr Suzanne Polak, says “it’s an excellent vaccine because it stops the virus. There is no other form or way to really prevent horses from getting the Hendra virus and in doing so it’s going to stop humans from getting the disease itself, which has no cure.”

[Filed on 1 October 2015]