Dear Breeder,

Release in respect to HENDRA VIRUS PROTOCOLS

The HTBA has been asked by the following stallion farms to alert breeders to a vaccination policy change with regards to HeV (Hendra Virus);

The recent confirmed case of HeV (Hendra Virus) in the Hunter Valley has highlighted the unpredictable incidence of Hendra and therefore the potential threat posed to all persons and horses that may come into contact with the virus. 

The above farms have assessed the risks posed to both human and horse health and revised their protocols for the 2019 breeding season.  The farms have agreed on a unified policy whereby they will NOT accept mares to be served in the 2019 or subsequent breeding seasons that are NOT VACCINATED for Hendra. This protocol will be applicable to horses visiting the farms, irrespective of their origin. Please do not hesitate to contact your stallion farm for further information and explanation.

HTBA President Dr Cameron Collins said “Our motivation is to safeguard the health of our people and the horses in the thoroughbred industry. Your veterinarian will be best placed to assist and advise on the implementation of vaccination.”

In addition to the above stallion farms, the three veterinary clinics in Scone have released a joint statement regarding their position on vaccination (see attached) and the following broodmare farms have communicated that they have vaccinated or are in the process of vaccinating all their resident horses prior to the commencement of the breeding season;