Kiama Hendra information evening

The Cumberland Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) is encouraging horse owners and other interested people to attend an information evening on Hendra virus on Thursday 25 August.

The evening will be held at the Kiama Leagues Club Auditorium, starting at 7pm and will include speakers from the Cumberland LHPA, NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and a local private vet.

Keith Hart, Cumberland LHPA senior district vet, says spreading the message about Hendra virus is important following outbreaks in horses on the mid and north coast.

"The main aim of the evening is to provide local horse owners with information on the Hendra virus and how they can take steps to protect their horses and themselves," he said.

"There is a large horse community in this area and we’re keen to get the message out to those people and the local community.

"While there have been no cases in this area to date, there is always a risk wherever horses and flying foxes co-exist.

"A representative from NSW Health will also be available to answer human health related questions."

More information on Hendra is available from the Cumberland LHPA offices and online from the NSW DPI website www.agriculture.nsw.gov.au/info/hendra.

Information is also available from NSW Health http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/hendra.html.

The information evening will be held Kiama Leagues Club Auditorium from 7 – 9 pm on Thursday 25 August.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378