Senior vet to review Hendra outbreak response
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The virus caused the death of an equine vet last month. (ABC News - file photo: file photo)
The vet who reviewed the spread of the Hendra virus on the Sunshine Coast hinterland two years ago has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the most recent fatal outbreak.
The virus caused the death of an equine vet last month, while five horses were destroyed at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic.
Dr Nigel Perkins looked into the Peachester case in 2006, and Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin says Dr Perkins has agreed to review the Department's response to last month's outbreak.
"Dr Perkins is the director of AusVet Animal Health Services and director of the disease surveillance program for the Australian Biosecurity Co-operative Research Centre for emerging infectious disease," Mr Mulherin said.
"Dr Perkins has had extensive veterinary epidemiology experience and expertise in disease control."
Mr Mulherin says Dr Perkins will recommend how to improve the response, but flying foxes will not be culled.
"The terms of reference are quite specific - they relate to our operational procedures, workplace health and safety," he said.
"With respect to the flying foxes, they are protected under the Nature Conservation Act and we have no intention of culling flying foxes."
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