Hendra Virus Detection in Queensland: Equestrian Events to Proceed Amid Concerns

Queensland authorities have confirmed the first case of the Hendra virus in three years, prompting renewed calls for vaccination among horse owners as the state approaches its peak equestrian season. An unvaccinated horse in the state’s southeast died after contracting the virus, which is transmitted from flying foxes to horses and can subsequently infect humans and dogs. Despite this alarming development, organizers of the state’s two major equestrian sports—racing and campdrafting—indicated that scheduled events would continue as planned.
On July 4, 2025, Biosecurity Queensland reported the case, marking only the second occurrence of Hendra virus in nearly a decade. As the equestrian community gears up for a busy winter season filled with country shows and competitions, officials are urging horse owners to vaccinate, particularly in light of the virus's high mortality rate—approximately 80% in horses and 70% in humans infected with Hendra.
"It is a rare disease, but the consequences are very high," stated Dr. Laura Hardefeldt, President of Equine Veterinarians Australia, emphasizing the importance of vaccination discussions between horse owners and veterinarians. The vaccine, released in 2012, faced scrutiny due to reported side effects, leading to a class action lawsuit against its manufacturer, Zoetis, which ultimately did not succeed.
While vaccination is not mandatory in horse sports such as racing and campdrafting, adherence to biosecurity protocols is crucial. Organizers from the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA), which boasts over 7,000 members, expressed confidence in their disease prevention measures. Executive Officer Craig Young remarked, "While it’s a dangerous virus, it doesn’t spread rapidly like equine influenza did in the early 2000s."
Horse owners are legally required to report any suspected cases of the virus to a veterinarian immediately. Symptoms in horses include fever, labored breathing, and neurological changes. In humans, symptoms can escalate from flu-like illness to severe conditions such as pneumonia or encephalitis.
In response to the recent detection, the ABCRA has reiterated that it has never mandated Hendra vaccination, attributing this to the absence of recent outbreaks. However, vaccination policies vary across different equestrian events; for instance, Brisbane’s Ekka requires all horses entering the showgrounds to be vaccinated against Hendra.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, but events such as the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge, located over 1,500 kilometers away from the detection site, will proceed as scheduled. President Vince Wall reassured participants about the effectiveness of their traceability and disease prevention systems.
In light of the growing anti-vaccine sentiment, Dr. Hardefeldt cautioned that vaccination rates remain inconsistent across Australia, despite higher uptake in Queensland and New South Wales. "Flying foxes occur throughout the eastern seaboard, so we recommend vaccination of horses regardless of their location," she stated, highlighting the potential risks to both equines and humans.
Since its identification in 1994, the Hendra virus has claimed the lives of four people and more than 90 horses, underscoring the critical need for vigilance and proactive health measures within the equestrian community as Queensland prepares for its peak sporting season.
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