With two new cases of Hendra virus confirmed in QLD,
WorkSafe QLD have released information regarding the safe working with
horses.
Hendra
virus is a sporadic disease of horses and humans that can cause very serious
illness. The natural hosts of Hendra virus are flying foxes which can pass the
virus onto horses. Human infection results from close contact with infected
horses and their blood, body fluids and tissues.
Prevention
of Hendra virus requires stringent biosecurity, workplace health and safety and
infection control measures.
A variety of tools to assist employers manage
the risks of Hendra virus when working with horses (including information on
infection control and self-surveys) are provided on the WorkSafe QLD website
at: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/incidents/audits/hendravirus/index.htm