Racing Queensland will offer a heavily subsidised Hendra Virus vaccination program for all registered thoroughbred racehorses throughout the state in a bid to reduce the risk of the deadly disease.

Racehorse owners will be strongly urged to take advantage of RQ’s new program which has the full support of the State Government.

RQ Chairman Kevin Dixon said Hendra Virus had already claimed the lives of 8 horses in 2013 across 8 properties in Queensland and New South Wales, highlighting the seriousness of this disease.

“Hendra Virus has the potential to cripple the racing industry, so doing nothing is not an option for Racing Queensland,” Dixon said.  “We have made the decision to roll out a vaccination program which aims to be affordable to trainers and owners.

“It’s vital that we prioritise the health and safety of the horse racing industry.  Once a horse is infected, the serious effects of the disease and inevitable loss of life is intolerable.

“There is also a high risk of our trainers, jockeys and stable hands inadvertently coming into contact with a Hendra Virus-infected horse via the animal’s body fluids (saliva, urine, blood or faeces).  It is our responsibility to minimise any risk and vaccination is the single most effective means of achieving this.”

Pharmaceutical company Zoetis (formerly known as Pfizer) released a vaccine on November 1, 2012 under a minor-use-permit designed to protect horses from this deadly virus.

The horses will be given two initial doses of the vaccine, administered by an accredited veterinarian, 21 – 42 days apart.  Horses will be protected for a minimum of six months, at which time a single booster is given.  Further research is being carried out to determine whether the vaccine booster interval will be extended to 12 months.

RQ negotiated with Zoetis and Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) to make the Hendra Virus vaccination program as economical as possible for racehorse trainers and owners.

From today (Tuesday, August 13), the vaccine cost of the first priming dose will be free for all current Queensland registered racehorses, while Zoetis will provide a $3.50 vaccine rebate for the second priming dose up until Monday, September 30.

Further discussions with the EVA have led to a set fee of between $30–$50 for administering each of the priming doses of the vaccine and the associated paperwork.

“This means that the cost to owners for the primary course of Hendra Virus injections will be between $106.50 and $146.50 plus travel costs,” Mr Dixon said.  “RQ strongly encourages all trainers and owners to take up this offer to protect the health of their horses.”

The form for all Queensland thoroughbred and harness trainers to apply for the Hendra Virus Vaccination Program is located on the Racing Queensland website under ‘Hendra Virus’ at the bottom of the home page.

Horses must be registered in the care of a RQ licensed trainer for the purpose of racing to be eligible for the vaccination program.  RQ stewards will vet all applications to ensure only eligible horses are vaccinated.