The timing of incidents indicates a seasonal pattern of outbreaks, possibly related to the breeding cycle of the little red flying-foxes. These species typically give birth between April and May.[14][15] As there is no evidence of transmission to humans directly from bats, it is thought that human infection only occurs via an intermediate host, a horse.
August 1994, Mackay, Queensland: Death of two horses and one person, Mark Preston.[10]
September 1994, Hendra, Queensland: 20 horses died or were euthanised. Two people infected, with one death, Victor Rail who was a nationally prominent trainer of racing horses.[8]
January 1999, Trinity Beach, Cairns, Queensland: Death of one horse.[16]
October 2004, Gordonvale, Cairns, Queensland: Death of one horse. A veterinarian involved in autopsy of the horse was infected with Hendra virus, and suffered a mild illness.[17]
December 2004, Townsville, Queensland: Death of one horse.[17]
June 2006, Peachester, Sunshine Coast, Queensland: Death of one horse.[17]
October 2006, Murwillumbah, New South Wales: Death of one horse.[18]
July 2007, Peachester, Sunshine Coast, Queensland: Infection of one horse (euthanised)
July 2007, Clifton Beach, Cairns, Queensland: Infection of one horse (euthanised).[19]
July 2008, Redlands, Brisbane, Queensland: Death of five horses; four died from the Henda virus, the remaining animal recovered but was euthanised because of a government policy that requires all animals with antibodies to be euthanised due to a potential threat to health. Two veterinary workers from the affected property were infected leading to the death of one, veterinary surgeon Ben Cuneen, on the 20th of August, 2008. The second veterinarian was hospitalized after pricking herself with a needle she had used to euthanize the horse that had recovered. A nurse exposed to the disease while assisting Cuneen in caring for the infected horses was also hospitalized.[20] The Biosecurity Queensland website indicates that 8 horses died during this event (http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_11112.htm , access 31 July 2011) however a review of the event indicates that five horses are confirmed to have died from HeV and three of the horses "are regarded as improbable cases of Hendra virus infection ...".[21]
July 2008, Proserpine, Queensland; Death of four horses.[22]
July 2009, Cawarral, Queensland: Death of four horses.[23] Queensland veterinary surgeon Alister Rodgers tested positive after treating the horses.[24] On September 1, 2009 after two weeks in a coma, he became the fourth person to die from exposure to the virus.[25]
September 2009, Bowen, Queensland. Death of two horses.[22]
May 2010, Tewantin, Queensland: Death of one horse.[26]
etc.
