NSW Mounted Police are urging horse owners to ensure they vaccinate their animals against the deadly Hendra virus. Last month, the Mounted Unit vaccinated all 31 police horses against the virus, as part of their annual health check. NSW Mounted Police Commander, Inspector Kirsten McFadden, said the vaccination is essential for the safety and well-being of horses and their owners. “The Hendra virus is not host-specific, meaning it can infect more than one animal species, and since it’s emergence in 1994, four people have died after contracting the virus from an infected horse,” Insp McFadden said. “The virus has also claimed the lives of more than 80 horses in the past ten years, including four in recent weeks on the state’s Mid North Coast and at least two in Queensland. “Vaccination is the single most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses, and combined with good hygiene practices when handling horses, the risk to humans is dramatically reduced.” Insp McFadden said vaccination also provides a public health and workplace health and safety benefit. “Our police horses spend most of their time out and about protecting the community. We can only do that with happy and healthy horses,” Insp McFadden said.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Jul 2013 23:51:07 +0000