Equine Morbillivirus Pneumonia (Hendra Virus Infection)

Hendra virus was first isolated in the 1990s during an outbreak in Australia; to date, it has not been identified outside of Australia. The viral agent is commonly found in specific species of fruit bats of the genus Pteropus (also called flying foxes), and close contact among horses and these bats is suspected to have caused transfer of the virus to horses. The disease, called equine morbillivirus pneumonia, develops in horses that are infected by direct contact with the virus particles in urine, saliva, and respiratory secretions. Humans in very close contact with infected horses can become infected as well and develop flu-like symptoms. About 57% of human infections are fatal.

Infected horses develop severe and often fatal respiratory disease, characterized by labored breathing and fluid and swelling in the lungs. Damage to the heart and blood vessels may occur. Depression, loss of appetite, fever, respiratory difficulty, poor coordination, increased heart rate, and frothy nasal discharge are other common signs ( see also Equine Morbillivirus Pneumonia (or Hendra Virus Infection)). A commercial vaccine has been developed.