More Hendra virus cases confirmed
MORE cases of the Hendra virus have been confirmed in two separate areas of Queensland over the weekend.
Biosecurity Queensland quarantined a property at Hervey Bay after test results from a deceased horse returned a positive result for the infection on Saturday.
A second case was also confirmed on Saturday, in the Boondall area where two adjoining properties have been quarantined.
Queensland chief veterinary officer Dr Rick Symons said a horse was euthanised on Friday at the Boondall property.
“We will now be testing six more horses at this site,” he said.
“These horses will be monitored daily over the next month.”
There are now six separate locations where Biosecurity Queensland is managing Hendra virus cases – Beaudesert, Mt Alford, Park Ridge, Kuranda, Hervey Bay and Boondall.
Dr Symons said it was very unusual to see so many cases cropping up in such a short period of time.
“It could be because of a heightened awareness of Hendra virus, which is resulting in the high number of samples we are currently receiving for testing – up to five times as many samples for Hendra testing as we normally would,” he said.
Up-to-date information on Hendra virus is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au.
The website includes important workplace health and safety information for horse properties and other horse related businesses.
For more information about the virus contact Biosecurity Queensland on 132523 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au.
