PLEASE REFER TO THE QUEENSLAND HORSE COUNCIL WEBPAGE FOR DETAILS ON UPCOMING SEMINARS. I ENCOURAGE EVERY HORSEOWNER TO GO ALONG TO THESE SEMINARS TO LEARN HOW TO MINIMISE THE RISKS TO YOURSELVES AND YOUR EQUINE FRIENDS.
Please find below some dot points to clarify what the Hendra
vaccine does and how it works:
Facts about the Hendra vaccine -
. The Hendra vaccine is a G protein vaccine
. G proteins are not the infective parts of the virus, but one of the proteins that allow the virus to invade the body
. Without this important protein the virus can't infect.
. When this protein is combined with an adjuvant (something that stimulates the immune system) the body builds antibodies that kill Hendra Virus
. The G protein can be produced synthetically
. The vaccine is produced without any live virus
. Vaccinated Horses produce antibodies that can be differentiated from natural infection
. The vaccine can be produced safely and economically - high security labs aren't required.
. Proven to stop horses getting sick and to stop horses from shedding the virus
For a more detailed explanation see article by Dr Peter Reid
<http://www.qldhorsecouncil.com/QHC%20Documents/News%20Link%20Storage/Recent%20advances%20in%20the%20development%20of%20a%20Hendra%20virus%20horse%20vaccine.pdf>
Information about Hendra
Symptoms in horses – what you should look for
Education & awareness – spreading the word
Improving hygiene in daily routines - what do we need to change
Flying Fox habits – reducing the risks to horses
Personal Protective Equipment & Decontamination – protecting people