The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has confirmed the Northern Territory’s first detection of Hendra virus in a bat, following a positive test result on 11 December 2025. Horse owners in the Top End of the Northern Territory are being urged to vaccinate their animals and to remain vigilant in monitoring for signs of the virus.
While the detection does not change the current level of risk to horses, pets, or the community, it confirms the virus is present in the NT’s bat population, as it is in other parts of northern Australia.
In July 2025, Biosecurity Queensland confirmed a case of Hendra virus in an unvaccinated horse in south-east Queensland – the first confirmed case since 2022- which subsequently died.
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against Hendra virus for both horses and humans.
As always, AVA’s priority is your safety and ensuring you have clear, timely information and professional support.
What this means
If you work with horses, please prioritise your own safety and wellbeing and continue to take all necessary precautions, including:
- Consider a horse’s vaccination status as part of your risk assessment prior to examination
- Review your individual and clinic Hendra virus management protocols
- Assume all sick horses may be infectious
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Further information
Further surveillance and sampling are currently underway. The NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will continue to provide updates and advice to horse owners and associations.
We will keep members updated with any additional news. Resources for veterinarians include:
- Two comprehensive EVA Videos on PPE for veterinarians are available here
AVA Hendra virus resources: https://www.ava.com.au/member-services/my-ava-groups/equine/resources/hendra-virus/www.ava.com.au - Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries information for veterinarians on Hendra virus: Hendra virus in horses | NT.GOV.AU
AVA Hendra virus policy: https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/horse-health-and-welfare/hendra-virus/