The New South Wales, Australia, Department of Primary Industries is encouraging horse owners to vaccinate their horses against hendra virus as the winter months approach in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ian Roth, the DPI’s chief veterinary officer, said vaccination is the single most effective way of protecting people and their horses from the deadly hendra virus.

"The colder months historically see an increased infection rate in horses, so it is imperative that horse owners take all the steps they possibly can to reduce the chances of their horses becoming infected with the hendra virus," Roth said.

He noted that, in addition to being vaccinated, horses should be kept away from flowering and fruiting trees that are attractive to bats