Hendra virus
Hendra virus is a sporadic disease of horses that can cause very serious illness in horses and humans.
The natural hosts of Hendra virus are flying foxes. Human infection results from close contact with infected horses and their blood, body fluids and tissues.
Hendra virus prevention requires stringent work health and safety and biosecurity measures. A registered vaccine is available to help prevent Hendra virus disease in horses. Vaccination of horses is the most effective way to help manage Hendra virus disease.
The following information and resources support veterinarians, horse businesses and owners and businesses that dispose of horse carcases to protect against and manage Hendra virus risks.
- Hendra virus information for veterinarians has information about signs of Hendra virus in horses and how the infection is spread.
- Managing risks – this page has information to support veterinarians to manage Hendra virus risks.
- Reference guide for infection prevention and control provides a guide for veterinarians when selecting infection prevention and control methods for working with horses.
- Selecting and using PPE in veterinary practice provides information about using personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of a veterinarian’s approach to managing infection risks.
- PPE for equine veterinarians – this short film shows how veterinarians working with horses can use personal protective equipment to protect against zoonoses.
- Summary report: Outcomes of an audit of Hendra virus risk management in the veterinary industry (PDF, 0.26 MB)
- Biosecurity Queensland - Hendra virus information for veterinarians
- Australian Veterinary Association Guidelines for Veterinary Personal Biosecurity. Information, resources and films from the Australian Veterinary Association about veterinary personal biosecurity and personal protective equipment. This page includes the short film Suit up! Personal protective equipment for veterinarians.
- Contact Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 362 128 about protecting against and managing Hendra virus risks in the workplace.
- Contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 for information on Hendra virus and animal health or biosecurity.
- Contact Queensland Health on 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for information about Hendra virus and human health. Seek advice from a general practitioner, local hospital emergency department or local public health unit if you have concerns about possible exposure to Hendra virus.
- Contact Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372 for information on flying foxes, and horse carcase transport and disposal.