Batting below Average: Failure to Manage Fatal Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are those which originate in animals but are transmitted to humans often through an intermediate host such as a wild animal. In Australia Hendra virus (HeV) is a disease of horses with occasional human fatalities and which is spread by the fruit bat. This article explores the lessons learnt from managing the Queensland outbreak of HeV in 1994. The legal framework for the notification and management of prohibited matter including zoonotic diseases in Queensland and New South Wales has been strengthened by provisions in the Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW) which create strong penalties for failure to notify outbreaks and failure to isolate infected stock and prevent their removal from premises within 24 hours. The response of at least 20% of Queensland equine veterinarians to the new legal obligations has been to cease practising equine medicine. There may be scope for enhanced education of veterinary students in legal obligations under the biosecurity legislation.