The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is warning Austalian horse owners to take precautions against the Hendra virus as the season for infections approaches.

"There are still lots of gaps in our knowledge about how Hendra virus spreads, and we don’t know what effect the recent record wet weather will have," said Barry Smyth, BVSc, FACVSc, Dipl. ACVS, president of the AVA. "Anyone working with horses should be on the lookout and immediately report any suspected cases of Hendra virus infection over the coming months."

Common clinical signs to look out for include respiratory distress, frothy nasal discharge, elevated body temperature (above 40°C, or 104°F), and elevated heart rate. However, it is important to realize there are no specific signs of infection.

"So far cases of Hendra infection have been restricted to Queensland and New South Wales, but there is potential for the disease wherever there are flying foxes (a type of bat that is known to carry and transmit the virus)," said Smyth