Breakthrough Hendra virus vaccine released for horses

By John Taylor and Annie Guest
Updated 24 minutes ago
Video: John Taylor reports on the Hendra vaccine breakthrough (ABC News)

Map: Brisbane 4000

In a major milestone in the fight against the potentially fatal Hendra virus, the first vaccine for horses will be made available from today.
The bat-borne disease has worried horse owners and workers since it was first identified in Brisbane in 1994.
The virus has claimed the lives of four of the seven people infected.

Audio: Hendra vaccine for horses launched (AM)

There have been more than 35 outbreaks since the virus emerged, which has killed more than 80 horses in Queensland and northern New South Wales.
After almost two decades, millions of dollars and the work of almost 100 researchers, the CSIRO says the vaccine helps breaks the cycle of transmission from horses that puts humans at risk.
The vaccine has been developed by the CSIRO in cooperation with drug giant Pfizer and two American partners.
Regulators fast-tracked the vaccine's release by up to four years, prior to gathering data on how long a horse remains immune.
The science and mystery of Hendra


Hendra virus was first observed in 1994, and has been puzzling Australia's leading researchers ever since.

After extensive testing of a range of animal species, the CSIRO identified flying foxes (fruit bats) as its natural host.

Despite their progress - and the release of a vaccine - scientists remain puzzled by several key elements in the story of Hendra.


The vaccine research was backed by the United States Government because it provided insight into a related virus that is a potential biological warfare agent.
However, CSIRO veterinary pathologist Dr Deborah Middleton says a vaccine for people will take a long time to develop.
"Today the first vaccine for horses against Hendra virus infection has been released and will be available for use by the horse-owning community," she said.
"A vaccine for people would take many more years.
"The other thing is that all the human infections have been from close contact with an infected horse."
Equine Veterinarians Australia spokesman Dr Nathan Anthony says he is relieved, because the vaccine will protect people dealing with sick horses.
"With vaccinated horses, a human being cannot be infected," he said.
"Governments should consider funding or subsidising at least this vaccination to encourage uptake because, it is primarily about disease prevention in human beings."
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) recommends all horses be vaccinated.
Vets will have to be accredited to give the vaccine in a course of two injections.
Photo: Equine vet Dr Nathan Anthony injects the first horse outside clinical trials with the Hendra virus vaccine. (ABC News: John Taylor)

South-east Queensland vet David Lovell lost a colleague to Hendra virus during an outbreak at his clinic on Brisbane's bayside in 2008.
"It couldn't be worse - I had a very very good colleague of mine die, and a very, very good nurse become very, very sick," he said.
"Fortunately she recovered but it certainly took a major toll on her life.
"Ruined me financially - it's you know a terrible disease."
A vaccine for people would take many more years

CSIRO veterinary pathologist Dr Deborah Middleton
He says it is critical that horse owners vaccinate their animals.
"If anyone owns a horse they have a duty of care to themselves, to their family in particular, and to the horse, to take the steps that are available to ensure that no-one is in danger," he said.
Dr Lovell says some veterinarians are threatening not to treat horses that are not vaccinated.
"There's talk about that and certainly there'll be some publicity relating to that," he said.
"But when it all boils down, we are vets and we've got a sick animal so we've got a responsibility to do something with the animal - I'm sure that animal will be treated.
"Again, I say it's irresponsible of the owner to put people at risk."
A far north Queensland horse vet says the release of the vaccine is a big relief for his profession.
Tully vet Graham Lauridsen says it was developed quickly, but he is confident it is safe.
"It's a scary time for any of us at the moment whenever we go out to see any sick horse," he said.
"It's always in the back of our mind as to what might be going on with that horse so it's going to be a benefit for us, that's for sure."