Hendra Virus
Local Land Services Hunter Region noted confirmation of Hendra virus infection by the State Veterinary Laboratory at Menangle 12 June 2019 in an unvaccinated mare on a property near Scone. In NSW to date there have been 22 horse deaths as a result of Hendra virus and whilst there have been no human fatalities from Hendra virus in NSW the disease presents significant work health and safety, public health and biosecurity risks.
Hendra virus infection is a notifiable disease in NSW.
Veterinarians are strongly advised to regularly review their Hendra virus work health and safety responsibilities.
In order to relieve pain or suffering for an animal in your presence the Veterinary Practitioners Code of Professional Conduct (Code) (cl 3) requires that a veterinarian, as appropriate, must not refuse to provide either:
a) First aid treatment or
b) Timely referral to another veterinarian or
c) Euthanasia
Further, under the Code (cl 8), when accepting an animal for diagnosis or treatment, you must also ensure that you are available for the ongoing care of that animal or make arrangements for another veterinarian to take over the care of the animal.
Accordingly, if you and your staff form the opinion that Hendra presents an unacceptable risk to work health and safety you may choose to eliminate this risk by refusing to attend to any horses, or specifically horses displaying signs consistent with Hendra virus infection.
Unfortunately, the clinical signs in horses with confirmed Hendra virus infection have been variable and sometimes vague.
Alternatively, you could mitigate this risk by refusing to attend to unvaccinated horses.
Vaccination is considered the most effective way to manage Hendra virus disease although no vaccine can provide 100% guaranteed protection. Whenever Hendra virus is suspected appropriate biosecurity precautions including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be used.
The Board is of the opinion that any changes to your Hendra virus work health and safety policies and procedures should be communicated to your clients to assist them in preparing for emergencies.
As part of your obligations under the Code (cl 16) if there are additional fees associated with these policies and procedures an estimate of these costs must be provided to the client, where it is practicable, before providing veterinary services.
Additional resources are available from the following links:
BoardTalk Personal Biosecurity Guidelines
AVA Veterinary Personal Biosecurity
CVO Bulletin Hendra Virus WHS Responsibilities|
QLD Government Reducing Hendra Virus Risk