Investigation of the effect of Equivac® HeV Hendra virus vaccination on Thoroughbred racing performance

Schemann, Kathrin; Annand, Edward J.; Reid, Peter A.; Lenz, Matthias; Thomson, Peter; Dhand, Navneet K.

doi:10.1111/avj.12679

Cited by 11 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Our study has significant implications for those advocating landscape management to mitigate the risks of HeV spillover. Informed citizens in areas affected by HeV risks support the current emphasis on raising rates of equine HeV vaccination [17, 21]. Moves towards adoption of ecological approaches could find broad social support, but public polarisation around mechanisms for policy implementation points to the need to work with affected communities to co-develop fair, effective and locally appropriate solutions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However vaccine uptake remains suboptimal—even in areas deemed to be at higher risk of HeV spillovers [18]. Factors driving resistance to use of the vaccine include horse owners’ concerns about vaccine cost, safety and its potential impact on equine performance [19–21]. The adoption of safer horse-husbandry practices has also been less than ideal.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Managing the risk of Hendra virus spillover in Australia using ecological approaches: A report on three community juries

et al. 2018

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BackgroundHendra virus (HeV) infection is endemic in Australian flying-fox populations. Habitat loss has increased the peri-urban presence of flying-foxes, increasing the risk of contact and therefore viral ‘spillovers’ into horse and human populations. An equine vaccine is available and horse-husbandry practices that minimize HeV exposure are encouraged, but their adoption is suboptimal. Ecological approaches–such as habitat creation and conservation–could complement vaccination and behavioural strategies by reducing spillover risks, but these are controversial.MethodsWe convened three community juries (two regional; one metropolitan) to elicit the views of well-informed citizens on the acceptability of adding ecological approaches to current interventions for HeV risk. Thirty-one participants of diverse backgrounds, mixed genders and ages were recruited using random-digit-dialling. Each jury was presented with balanced factual evidence, given time to ask questions of expert presenters and, after deliberation, come to well-reasoned conclusions.ResultsAll juries voted unanimously that ecological strategies should be included in HeV risk management strategies but concluded that current interventions–including vaccination and changing horse-husbandry practices–must remain the priority. The key reasons given for adopting ecological approaches were: (i) they address underlying drivers of disease emergence, (ii) the potential to prevent spillover of other bat-borne pathogens, and (iii) there would be broader community benefits. Juries differed regarding the best mechanism to create/conserve flying-fox habitat: participants in regional centres favoured direct government action, whereas the metropolitan jury preferred to place the burden on landholders.ConclusionsInformed citizens acknowledge the value of addressing the drivers of bat-borne infectious risks but differ substantially as to the best implementation strategies. Ecological approaches to securing bat habitat could find broad social support in Australia, but disagreement about how best to achieve them indicates the need for negotiation with affected communities to co-develop fair, effective and locally appropriate policies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Managing the risk of Hendra virus spillover in Australia using ecological approaches: A report on three community juries

et al. 2018

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“…A study conducted by the University of Sydney has confirmed that vaccination against the deadly Hendra virus does not affect the performance of racing horses …”

Section: Equinementioning

confidence: 99%

In this issue – April 2018

Jackson¹

2018

Aust Veterinary J

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“…For example, widely held views that HeV vaccination compromised athletic performance were investigated in a study of the race‐day performance of 755 horses over 4208 starts before and after HeV vaccination. There was no evidence that HeV vaccine had any effect on the racing performance 19 . Whether published scientific data can drive decision‐making more than social media influencers remains to be seen.…”

mentioning

confidence: 97%

Hendra virus: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate? What is the alternative?

Gilkerson¹

2020

Aust Veterinary J

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Investigation of the effect of Equivac® HeV Hendra virus vaccination on Thoroughbred racing performance

Abstract: No evidence of an effect of Hendra virus vaccination on racing performance was found. The findings allow owners, trainers, industry regulators and animal health authorities to make informed decisions about vaccination.

Cited by 11 publications

References 19 publications

Managing the risk of Hendra virus spillover in Australia using ecological approaches: A report on three community juries

Managing the risk of Hendra virus spillover in Australia using ecological approaches: A report on three community juries

In this issue – April 2018

Hendra virus: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate? What is the alternative?

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