Hendra virus putting vets off work
A survey of equine practices in Queensland, Australia, has revealed that some vets have ceased to carry out equine work due to the risks posed by the Hendra virus.
Hendra virus (HeV) primarily infects fruit bats, but was first reported in horses in 1994, when fourteen horses died and seven others infected humanely destroyed. Human infections are uncommon, but they generally affect people in contact with horses.
There have been seven cases of human HeV infection and five have involved equine veterinary personnel conducting post mortem or endoscopic examinations. In three cases, the infection was fatal.
A research team in Queensland carried out a study which explored the issues faced by equine veterinary practice staff relating to infection control of HeV, and found that some veterinarians had given up equine work because of the virus.
21 vets were interviewed, with 60% having dealt with one or more cases of HeV infection, 35% having dealt with a confirmed case and 44% knowing of one or more colleagues who had stopped doing equine work, with concerns over personal safety and legal liability related to HeV being given as the main reason for leaving.
The implications of the findings continue to be discussed. There are concerns that those vets remaining in the equine sector could be at greater risk at the increased workload, and the effects a shortage of vets all have on equine welfare.
An HeV vaccine is in development, and it is hoped the availability of such a vaccine would go some way to calming the fears of those working in the Australian equine sector.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
