Hendra virus: Racing Queensland warning over July 2025 case
Racing Queensland has reiterated the importance of vaccination for thoroughbred horses following the first case of the deadly Hendra virus in southeast Queensland in three years.
A horse in southeast Queensland has died after testing positive to the virus, Biosecurity Queensland officials confirmed on Sunday.
Queensland Health is working to manage the health of people who came into contact with the horse given the virus can spread to humans and be fatal.
In this new case, the horse was not vaccinated against Hendra virus.
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'Racing Queensland recommends vaccination and disseminates information to its industry participants on prevention and appropriate management of any ill horses,' an RQ spokesman said.
'RQ understands the horse involved in this instance is not a racehorse.'
There is no human vaccine for Hendra virus, although it is rare for humans to contract the deadly disease.
'While the virus can spread from horses to people, it is rare,' Queensland chief health officer Dr Heidi Carroll said.
'People assessed as having a high level of exposure to the infected horse will undergo prioritised testing.'
The last time Henry virus was discovered in Queensland was in Mackay in 2022.
Flying foxes can transmit Hendra virus to horses. Picture: Craig Wahurst
Biosecurity Queensland said an unvaccinated horse tested positive for the virus last Friday and its 'condition rapidly deteriorated'.
Hendra virus can be transmitted from flying fox to horse, and from horse to human.
It was first discovered in 1994 when it swept through racing stables in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra, killing a trainer and 13 horses.
Since then there have been 66 known outbreaks across Australia, with four people and 90 horses dying from the deadly virus.
RQ has advised anyone concerned about possible infection to immediately contact their veterinarian and avoid contact with the horse until Hendra virus results are obtained.
The risk of infection from Hendra virus may be minimised by:
• Vaccinating horses – the highly-protective vaccine available for horses is the most effective way to manage Hendra virus disease risk;
• Paddock management – remove feed and water from underneath trees frequented by flying foxes and move horses out of paddocks when trees attractive to flying foxes are flowering or fruiting; and
• Practicing good hygiene when interacting with horses, including: Regularly washing hands with soap and water after touching horses, particularly before eating, smoking or touching your eyes, nose or mouth; covering wounds with a waterproof dressing; wearing personal protective equipment if contact with body fluids from a horse is likely; and washing unprotected skin with soap and water if it comes into contact with a horse's body fluids or manure.
Originally published as Racing Queensland puts thoroughbred industry on alert as new Hendra virus case confirmed
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