Hendra virus news

A horse died of Hendra virus on a property near Townsville on 3 January 2012, and the results were confirmed on 4 January. The property is under quarantine, and no other cases have been confirmed. All the people in contact with the horse have been assessed as being at low risk of contracting the virus, and they have decided not to be tested.

This was an opportunity to try out the new AVA Emergency SMS Alert System Policy and members with a mobile number on record received an alert on 5 January. You can notify the AVA of your mobile number by calling 1300 137 309 or emailing members [at] ava [dot] com [dot] au (members [at] ava [dot] com [dot] au). You can also add or change your mobile number through Manage profile when you’re logged in to the AVA website.

Research
The Intergovernmental Hendra Virus Task Force has commissioned research projects funded by $12 million contributed by the Queensland, New South Wales and Australian governments:

  • Hendra virus in dogs
  • Assessing the risks posed by HeV antibody positive animals
  • Hendra virus infection and transmission dynamics
  • Flying fox dispersal and Hendra virus risk
  • Hendra virus horse vaccine

The Task Force is currently deciding on which projects from the open funding round will be successful and the AVA will let members know when the announcement is made. 

Hendra resources

My cart