December 04, 2008 03:30pm
AN independent Queensland review has warned that humans are in danger of being infected by horses carrying the Hendra virus.
Vets, in particular, should take extra precautions for even the simplest of procedures to prevent the spread of the Hendra virus, an expert has found.
Veterinary expert Dr Nigel Perkins, who conducted an independent review into the handling of two Hendra outbreaks in Queensland, found the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) managed the outbreak appropriately.
Dr Perkins said it was known people exposed to horses which were sick with the virus or had died from the virus could contract the disease.
But he said he had found people working with apparently healthy horses that were incubating the virus can also be infected.
"This changes the way one might think about interacting with horses," Dr Perkins said.
"I think that is enormously regrettable. I have horses, have ridden all my life, I have children who ride and from a personal perspective that information is concerning."peDr Perkins, whose findings were released in state parliament on Thursday, said he did not want to alarm horse owners and riders but they should be aware of the risks.
But he said it was veterinarians who needed to take more precautions even when doing simple tasks such as nose swabs.
"If one is performing procedures that involves exposure to bodily fluids that could be infectious than one needs to take extra protection," Dr Perkins said.
"The simplest form of protection is wearing gloves, impervious cover-alls that could be simple disposable coveralls, particularly if an individual has scratches and abrasions, and a face mask and some form of eye protection that could be glasses or a face shield."
The Hendra virus was discovered at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic on Brisbane's bayside in June, killing vet Ben Cunneen and causing a nurse to spend weeks in hospital.
Five horses either died or were euthanased and another three horses were put down in a separate outbreak in north Queensland in August.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said the department would work with Queensland Health and industry bodies on building awareness.
The Hendra virus is believed to be transmitted by flying foxes to horses and from horses to humans.
There has been no human to human transmission.
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