Australia: Horse euthanised after first Hendra virus case in five years reported in Queensland
July 9, 2022, 11:19 am

Australia: Horse euthanised after first Hendra virus case in five years reported in Queensland

Hendra virus spread from flying foxes to horses, horses to horses and, rarely, from horses to people. It can be fatal in humans - Photo. Pixabay

Queensland has recorded its first case of Hendra virus since 2017 after a horse tested positive in Mackay, The Guardian reported.

Biosecurity Queensland said the result was confirmed on Friday (July 8) and the horse was euthanised after its condition deteriorated rapidly.

It isolated the property as staff worked to identify the source of the virus and ensure humans had not been exposed.

Biosecurity Queensland’s chief veterinary officer, Allison Crook, said: “Tracing and risk assessments have been undertaken on other animals on the property. We are working with the property and horse owners to ensure the risk is contained on the property.”

The horse that tested positive had not been vaccinated against Hendra, The Guardian mentioned.

People in contact with horses need to remember to continue to practise good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus - Photo. Pixabay

It said that the virus was discovered in 1994 following an outbreak of illness in horses at a racing stable in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra.

It can spread from flying foxes to horses, horses to horses and, rarely, from horses to people. It can be fatal in humans.

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Crook said: “Hendra virus infection can occur throughout the year so it’s important that horse owners take steps to protect themselves and their animals at all times.”

Horse owners are urged to seek advice if an animal shows any symptoms of the virus, including a rapid onset of fever, an increased heart rate and rapid deterioration with respiratory and/or neurological signs.

Crook said: “If a horse becomes sick, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately.”

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He added: “People in contact with horses need to remember to continue to practise good biosecurity and personal hygiene measures even if a horse is vaccinated against Hendra virus.”

Source: theguardian

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
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Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.