Vets Welcome Government’s Final Report on Hendra Vaccine

Australian Veterinary Association

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has welcomed the recommendations in the Queensland Government’s report that was tabled in parliament today on the Hendra virus equivac® vaccine and its use by veterinary surgeons in Queensland.

After considering all the evidence, the government has determined that the Hendra vaccine is safe and effective.

Spokesperson representing equine veterinarians, Dr Ben Poole, said, “We’re particularly pleased that the report recommends that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries promotes the Hendra vaccine to horse owners and equestrian groups as a way of minimizing the risk of Hendra infection.

“We also congratulate the Agriculture and Environment Committee for acknowledging that Hendra represents a real health risk and that the most effective option for preventing horse and human deaths from the virus is by horse vaccination. We have said all along that animal welfare, workplace health and safety and public safety are shared responsibilities where vets, government agencies and horse owners all have a role to play.”

“The government’s decision to support shorter turnaround times for exclusion testing will result in better horse welfare outcomes, and this was something we have been seeking for some time – and we’d like to see this implemented as a priority.”

The government has not called for legislated mandatory Hendra vaccination, as there is no precedent for this in human and animal health in Queensland. The government has however endorsed a recommendation of the AVA for the right of horse event organizers to insist on mandatory vaccination as a condition for entry into competition.

“In recent years, veterinarians in particular have had to consider increasingly complex risks in their decisions relating to Hendra virus,” Dr Poole said. “The government has supported the right of vets to make their own decisions about treating unvaccinated horses.”

“In relation to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland laws, the government has stated in its report that in consultation with veterinarians it will review guidance for veterinarians to clarify the scope of duty of care under this legislation. We welcome this opportunity,” Dr Poole said.

“Overall, we are pleased with the recommendations and look forward to working with the government on implementing them.”