Notice from Biosecruity Queensland - 22 May 2013

Chief veterinary officers from across Australia met yesterday to discuss the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) case on the Southern Downs in Queensland.

Queensland’s Chief Biosecurity Officer Jim Thompson said Biosecurity Queensland officers revisited the property yesterday and reported that no animals were showing any signs of illness.

“A number of options for managing the property were considered yesterday by the chief veterinarians,” Dr Thompson said.

“Biosecurity Queensland will be discussing these options with the property owner, including isolation and potential vaccination of animals and will continue to work closely with them in managing the situation.

“Through our understanding of this virus, it is believed that the infected horse was most likely infected through being scratched or bitten by a bat.

“Testing has confirmed the virus in the infected horse was the type of ABLV found in one species of insect-eating microbats, not flying foxes.

Dr Thompson said researchers from the Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease had been conducting property profiling to identify the type of bats and their movements in the area.

“Through their initial work, researchers have identified microbats in the area, including microbats roosting in buildings on the property,” Dr Thompson said.

“I must reiterate that we haven’t before seen ABLV in a horse in Australia, however, experts from around the country are continuing to work together to learn more about the virus.

“As has been our long-standing advice, it is recommended that animal owners take all reasonable steps to keep their animals away from bats.

“This may include restricting animals at night, particularly when bats are feeding. If owners suspect an animal might have been bitten or scratched by a bat, they should contact their local veterinarian.

“It is also important to ensure sound hygiene and biosecurity measures are routinely adopted for all contact with animals including their saliva, blood and other body fluids and associated equipment. This is to protect people against a number of diseases that can be transferred, not just ABLV.”

For more information on Australian bat lyssavirus, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld).

20 May 2013

Investigations continuing into Australian bat lyssavirus case.

Biosecurity Queensland is continuing its investigation after a horse tested positive to Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) infection in the Southern Downs.

Chief Biosecurity Officer Jim Thompson said biosecurity officers had been on the property over the weekend assessing the situation. There are other companion animals remaining on the property including horses.

“None of the remaining animals have shown any signs of unusual behaviour or illness recently,” Dr Thompson said.

“Officers have also started assessing the location of microbat and other bat colonies, including flying foxes, in the area.

“Microbats, including a dead bat had been observed on the property, but not in close association with the horses. All Australian bat species are considered susceptible to ABLV.

“Owners are advised to take all reasonable steps to keep their animals away from bats. It is also important to ensure sound hygiene and biosecurity measures are routinely adopted for all contact with horses, their blood and body fluids and associated equipment.”

Chief veterinary officers from each state are due to meet tomorrow to discuss last week’s test results.

“As we haven’t seen this disease in horses before, this group will provide guidance and advice on further disease management requirements including quarantine restrictions for the property, and other measures that may need to be put in place.”

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said Queensland Health has identified eight human contacts of the sick horses and remains available to assist with any further enquiries about exposure.

"As a result of this contact tracing, seven people have been offered a course of treatment which prevents Lyssavirus in humans," Dr Young said.

"The recommended course of treatment must be administered in a timely manner and comprises rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.

"One other person was deemed to have had such a low exposure to the horse that preventative treatment was not required.

"There is no test available for Lyssavirus before symptoms appear."