NSW and Qld govts link to fight Hendra

A cross-border task force has been set up to combat the spread of the deadly Hendra virus in Queensland and NSW.Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell have agreed to share information and resources of their respective biosecurity and health departments in the fight against Hendra.The task force will include chief vets, chief health officers and chief scientists from both states as well as a CSIRO representative."While Queensland and NSW have already been sharin

A cross-border task force has been set up to combat the spread of the deadly Hendra virus in Queensland and NSW.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell have agreed to share information and resources of their respective biosecurity and health departments in the fight against Hendra.

The task force will include chief vets, chief health officers and chief scientists from both states as well as a CSIRO representative.

"While Queensland and NSW have already been sharing information on this disease, this task force will formalise that relationship and the response," Ms Bligh said in a statement.

The cross-border initiative follows the latest Hendra outbreak in which seven horses have died since June 20 and 11 (nine in Qld, two in NSW) properties are under quarantine.

A total of 32 people (17 Qld, 15 NSW) are believed to have been exposed to Hendra-infected horses and all now face three rounds of tests before they will the receive the all-clear.

More than 30 other horses across the affected properties are being tested for the lethal bat-borne disease.

"Hendra virus is affecting both states and there is a lot to be gained by sharing knowledge and experience," Ms Bligh said.

"We will be analysing the situation in both states to better understand the outbreak, identifying areas for further collaboration and undertaking longer-term planning for managing the disease and its impacts," she said.

"Due to our exposure to the virus since 1994, Queensland is advanced in its research, response and communications around Hendra virus and it is important to share this knowledge and experience for mutual benefit."