Reduce HeV risk

Veterinarians must plan for a safe work environment when handling sick horses. If Hendra virus (HeV) is suspected, you should:

• be aware of infection control procedures
• implement a veterinary practice plan.

Examining horses

Horses excrete HeV from 2 days after exposure to it, up to and including the time clinical signs are present. Research shows that when HeV is visible, this virus is systemically widespread throughout the body and bodily fluids.

Safety procedures are the primary defence against HeV during the pre-clinical phase of horse infection.

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn, regardless of the vaccination status of the horse.

Vaccinated horses

Hendra virus vaccine is only available under the conditions of the Minor Use Permit.

Vaccinated horses that were exposed to HeV in a study did not become infected, show clinical signs, nor shed virus. However, vaccines are not 100% effective and there is no guarantee of protection.

Infection control

Standard precautions are recommended for treating all horses, regardless of the perceived infectious status. These include:

• hygienic practices, particularly washing hands before and after horse contact
• covering cuts and abrasions with water resistant, occlusive dressings
• using protective barriers where necessary, such as gloves, respirator masks, safety eyewear, gowns
• appropriate handling and disposal of sharps and contaminated waste
• cleaning and disinfecting reusable equipment between horses.

Additional PPE should be worn if the above precautions are insufficient, especially for preventing airborne transmission. High risk HeV situations include:

• procedures such as surgery, nasogastric tube placement, endoscopy, dental work and sinus flushing
• working with horses showing systemic illness.

If you will be exposed to potentially infectious HeV  materials, use the PPE listed under sampling equipment and procedures.

Veterinary practice plan

An equine veterinary practice plan allows for a prompt and confident response to potential HeV cases. Use the list below to prepare:

1. Decide whether cases of equine illness will be investigated in your business. You will need to accept responsibility of managing the risks associated with potential HeV cases.
2. Implement a triage system to identify HeV risk factors when booking horse consultations.
3. Conduct routine risk assessment of HeV for all horse contact.
4. Make sure standard precautions are used for all routine horse contact, and additional PPE is used where necessary.
5. Provide dedicated HeV field kits for staff.
6. Provide PPE for staff and train them for its correct use, including the potential risk for heat stress.
7. Minimise the potential for contamination by:
   • cleaning spills of blood or body fluids
   • avoiding aerosols and splashes from equipment, such as a high-pressure hose
8. Make sure contaminated PPE and clothing is safely handled, transported, stored and cleaned.
9. Develop a protocol to manage accidental sharps injuries and exposure to blood or body fluids.
10. Ensure safe handling and disposal of carcasses and animal excreta.
11. Maintain stable hygiene and environmental cleaning using appropriate disinfectants.
12. Develop an investigation procedure for responding to HeV and other disease cases, including entry and exit protocols.