&geometry(296x101) "Townsville Veterinary Clinic & North Queensland Specialist")
Hendra virus is one of the most serious infectious diseases affecting horses in Queensland.
HENDRA VIRUS POLICY & PREVENTATIVE CARE
OUR HENDRA VIRUS POLICY: PROTECTING HORSES, FAMILIES, AND VETERINARY TEAMS
While cases are relatively uncommon, the virus is frequently fatal to horses and humans. It can be transmitted to people in close contact with infected animals. Because the clinical signs of Hendra virus are incredibly broad, ranging from colic and choke to a horse simply being vaguely unwell, it can be impossible to definitively rule out the disease without laboratory testing.
At Townsville Veterinary Clinic, our priority is providing rapid, effective, and uncompromised care to your horses. We strongly encourage all horse owners to vaccinate against Hendra virus. Under Workplace Health and Safety laws, veterinary practices carry significant legal obligations to minimise risks to staff and clients. Our policy is built entirely around these safety responsibilities, balancing patient welfare with the protection of human life.
THE CORE BENEFITS OF HENDRA VACCINATION
Choosing to vaccinate your horse offers critical advantages that directly impact the speed and range of medical treatment they can receive in a crisis:
HOW VACCINATION STATUS SHAPES OUR TREATMENT PROTOCOLS
When a veterinarian is called to examine an unvaccinated horse,
the clinical approach must be modified to manage potential biosecurity risks.
UNVACCINATED SICK & EMERGENCY CASES
If an unvaccinated horse becomes unwell with symptoms that resemble Hendra virus, a veterinarian cannot routinely admit the animal to the hospital until a negative result is returned.
An exclusion test must be performed, and samples shipped to the laboratory. Because this testing process can take 2 to 3 days, emergency treatment during this window is strictly limited to basic first aid and non-invasive symptomatic care to ensure the safety of handlers and staff. For conditions like acute colic, this waiting period can drastically alter the final clinical outcome.
ROUTINE CARE & OUR UNVACCINATED SURCHARGE
To support the safety of our team, veterinarians will routinely wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when examining unvaccinated horses.
To ensure our clients who do invest in vaccination are not financially disadvantaged, a $120 surcharge is applied to routine veterinary procedures performed on unvaccinated animals.
OUR FEE-WAIVER GUARANTEE
If your horse is examined and found to be completely healthy, you can choose to vaccinate them during the consultation. If you choose to initiate vaccination, the $120 surcharge is waived. This ensures that protecting your horse and the community carries no extra financial penalty compared to remaining unvaccinated.
A SAFE, PROVEN PREVENTATIVE SOLUTION
Hendra virus vaccination is recognised as a safe and highly effective preventative tool. Hundreds of thousands of doses have been administered nationwide with a low rate of minor complications. The most common side effect is a brief, minor swelling at the injection site or occasional mild lethargy for 24 hours.
We share the exact same goal as our local equestrians, pony clubs, and trainers: maintaining healthy horses, ensuring safe people, and supporting a strong North Queensland horse community that can thrive safely for years to come.
If you would like to discuss your horse’s current vaccination schedule, arrange a property visit to start a vaccination protocol, or ask our senior practitioners any questions, please contact Townsville Veterinary Clinic on 07 4779 0233.
