Name: Hendra virus RTqPCR
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 61.5 EUR

Product form

Hendra virus RTqPCR

Pathogen test The RT-cPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Hendra virus. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube and/or 5mL -...

€61.50

Sample Requirements

5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube and/or 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround Time

2 to 5 working days

About the test

The Hendra Virus RT-qPCR Test detects the RNA genome of Hendra virus (HeV) using highly sensitive real-time RT-qPCR technology.

This molecular assay is designed for the early detection of Hendra virus infection in horses and is the preferred diagnostic method during the acute phase of disease, before antibodies develop.

Why test?

Testing for Hendra virus helps to:

Detect active Hendra virus infection at an early stage.
Confirm infection in horses showing respiratory or neurological signs.
Support rapid diagnosis during suspected outbreaks.
Assist veterinarians in implementing immediate biosecurity measures.
Reduce the risk of transmission to other horses and humans.

How it works

🛒 Purchase the Test: Select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive Instructions: After payment confirmation, receive instructions for sample collection.

✨ Sample Collection: Your veterinarian collects the required sample(s).

📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form.

📮 Send Samples: Send to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

📄 Receive Results: Your laboratory report will be sent by email.

Clinical signs

Clinical signs

The clinical signs inhorsescan include:

frothy nasal mucus
high temperature
rapid heart rate
sweating
muscle spasms and twitching
muscle weakness
balance difficulties
rapid deterioration.

Transmission

Hendra virus can be transmitted from flying fox to horse, horse to horse and horse to human.
The exact route of transmission is not known, but it is thought that horses become infected via contact or droplet transmission of the virus.This may occur by ingesting material contaminated by infected flying fox body fluids and excretions.
While Hendra virus is present in flying fox populations periodically, the likelihood of horses becoming infected is low. Hendra virus can spread from horse to horse through direct contact with infectious body fluids, or through indirect contact via equipment contaminated with infectious body fluids.
The few cases of Hendra virus infection in people occurred following high-level exposure to respiratory secretions (e.g. mucus) and/or blood and other body fluids from an infected horse.
Other people have reported having some contact with infected horses but have remained well, and their blood tests have shown no evidence of Hendra virus infection.
There is no evidence of Hendra virus spreading from person to person or from flying foxes to humans.
The scientific information available on the disease is not complete. Research continues so that we can learn more about Hendra virus—particularly about how it is transmitted from flying foxes to horses.

Prevention

How to reduce the risk of horses becoming infected:

A Hendra virus vaccine is available for horses. Vaccination is the single most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses. Discuss the option of vaccination with your veterinarian. See Vaccination in this brochure for more information.
Remove horse feed and water containers from under trees. If possible, place feed and water containers under a shelter.
Remove your horses from paddocks where flowering/fruiting trees may be attracting flying foxes. Return the horses only after the trees have stopped flowering/fruiting and the flying foxes have gone. If the horses cannot be removed from the paddock, consider fencing (temporary or permanent) to restrict access to flowering/fruiting trees. Clean up any fruit debris underneath the trees before returning the horses. If it is not possible to remove your horses from paddocks for long periods, try to temporarily remove your horses during times of peak flying fox activity (usually at dusk and during the night).
Clean and disinfect gear exposed to any body fluids from horses before using it on another horse. This includes items like halters, lead ropes and twitches. Talk to your veterinarian about which cleaning agents and disinfectants to use.
When cleaning contaminated equipment, wear gloves, cover any cuts or grazes and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
If your horse becomes sick, isolate it from other horses, other animals and people until a veterinarian’s opinion is obtained.

Additional information

Hendra virus (HeV) is a rare but highly pathogenic zoonotic virus belonging to the Henipavirus genus. It causes severe disease in horses and humans, with high mortality rates.

Fruit bats (flying foxes) of the Pteropus genus are the natural reservoir of the virus. Horses become infected primarily through exposure to feed, water or pasture contaminated with bat urine, saliva or other excretions.

Clinical disease may progress rapidly, with respiratory and neurological signs including fever, nasal discharge, muscle twitching, weakness, loss of coordination and sudden deterioration.

The virus can spread from infected horses to other horses and, importantly, to humans through contact with respiratory secretions, blood or other body fluids. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Vaccination of horses, good biosecurity practices, and rapid laboratory diagnosis remain the most effective measures for preventing disease spread.

FAQs

What does the RT-qPCR test detect?

The test detects the RNA genome of Hendra virus, confirming active infection.

When should this test be performed?

The test is recommended for horses showing respiratory or neurological signs compatible with Hendra virus infection, or following suspected exposure.

Which samples can be submitted?

Blood collected in a K3 EDTA tube and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected in a sterile tube.

Can healthy horses be infected?

Yes. Horses may become infected before severe clinical signs develop, making early molecular testing important whenever Hendra virus is suspected.

How can Hendra virus infection be prevented?

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. Additional protection includes minimizing horse exposure to flying fox contamination, maintaining strict hygiene, disinfecting equipment, and immediately isolating horses showing compatible clinical signs until veterinary evaluation.