Hendra virus is a highly pathogenic novel paramyxovirus causing sporadic fatal infection in horses and humans in Australia. Species of fruit-bats (genus Pteropus), commonly known as flying-foxes, are the natural host of the virus. We undertook a survey of horse owners in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia […]
Veterinarians urged to consider ABLV in horses with neurological signs
The detection of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in two horses on a Queensland property is a concern for veterinarians and horse owners alike, according to the Australian Veterinary Association. Biosecurity Queensland quarantined a property in the Southern Downs last month after a horse tested positive for ABLV – the first […]
Owner rejects horse deaths finding
The owner of 22 horses which died on a southeast Queensland property has questioned a finding that scrub ticks or botulism probably caused the deaths. Steve Hogno said tests of horse-hair samples sent to a US laboratory had turned up high levels of heavy metals including manganese and zinc, among […]
Bligh says govt acted before Hendra report
The Queensland Government had made significant changes to the way it handled Hendra virus outbreaks well before the ombudsman released a critical report, Premier Anna Bligh said. Ombudsman Phil Clarke’s report highlighted inadequate communication between veterinarians and horse owners. Clarke said systemic failures had hampered the Labor government’s response to […]