The Queensland government has released a safety alert for horse owners following several cases of Hendra virus, a rare but potentially fatal zoonotic virus that can pass from horses to humans. A veterinarian died earlier this month after treating an infected foal.

Clinical signs of Hendra virus infection in horses can include rapid onset of illness, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, discomfort or weight shifting between legs, depression, respiratory, and neurologic signs. Not all of these signs will be found in any one infected horse.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland recommends:

Consider developing a plan for responding to a suspect, highly suspect or confirmed case of Hendra virus at your workplace, including how you will minimize the risk to yourself, your workers, and others such as visiting horse practitioners (farriers, etc.). You should then train your workers in the implementation of the plan