Website of the Department of Health

Foreword

This document has been prepared in light of the recent characterisation by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens of two Hazard Group 4 agents - Hendra virus and Nipah virus - that caused zoonotic disease in horses (1994) and pigs (1998) respectively. As these animals are frequently traded or mix with animals from other countries during international events, for example Olympic equestrian events, transmission of these viruses is an increasing possibility, both to other animals and those who care for them.

The Department of Health, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Public Health Laboratory Service, the Health and Safety Executive and independent experts, has prepared these guidelines. Both the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens and the National Zoonoses Group for England have been consulted on the contents.

These guidelines are primarily intended to advise health care professionals who may be contacted during exposure incidents. They will wish to take account of the actions described in Chapter 4 in particular.

The document is also being made available to others in the medical and allied professions and to anyone else with an interest.

Sir Liam Donaldson
Chief Medical Officer for England

Dr H Campbell
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland

Sir David Carter
Chief Medical Officer for Scotland

Dr Ruth Hall
Chief Medical Officer for Wales

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