The risk that Orange’s colony of flying foxes will spread disease is minimal, however, horse owners have been advised to take precautions against the deadly Hendra virus.
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Flying foxes are the natural carrier of the virus, which can be spread from flying foxes to horses and from horses to humans, but not directly from flying foxes to humans.
According to a spokesperson for Industry and Investment (I&I) NSW, there has only been one case of a Hendra virus infection in a horse in NSW, which occurred in October 2006 at Murwillumbah.
No humans have died from the Hendra virus in NSW.
“Horse owners should make sure their horses’ food and water is not stored near where flying foxes are roosting.
Horse owners with concerns about the Hendra virus should contact their district veterinarian,” the spokesperson said.
Horse feed and water troughs should not be placed under trees where flying foxes might roost or feed.
Hendra virus can be fatal to both horses and humans.
Initial symptoms in horses can include laboured breathing, frothy or blood-stained nasal discharge and high temperature.
Flying foxes can also carry Australian bat lyssavirus, which is also fatal to humans.
Anyone scratched or bitten by a bat should immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and contact their doctor.
More information on Hendra virus and I&I NSW biosecurity procedures can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.
ellen.jones@ruralpress.com
