Horse populations are severely underestimated in a region at risk of Hendra virus spillover.

Objective: To identify the size and distribution of the horse population in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW, including changes from 2007 to 2021, to better understand populations at risk of Hendra virus transmission.

Methods: Census data from the 2007 Equine Influenza (EI) outbreak were compared with data collected annually by New South Wales Local Land Services (LLS) (2011-2021), and with field observations via road line transects (2021).

Results: The horse populations reported to LLS in 2011 (3000 horses; 0.

Encephalomyocarditis virus infection in alpacas.

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infection was detected by real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in four adult alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from two properties on the Far North Coast of New South Wales (NSW) in April and May 2018 and in two adult alpacas from a third property on the Central Coast of NSW in October 2018. Viral RNA was detected in a range of samples, including blood, fresh body organs and mucosal swabs. EMCV was isolated from the blood and body organs of five of these alpacas.

Needles, Jabs and Jags: a qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators to child and adult immunisation uptake among Gypsies, Travellers and Roma.

Background: Gypsies, Travellers and Roma (referred to as Travellers) are less likely to access health services including immunisation. To improve immunisation rates, it is necessary to understand what helps and hinders individuals in these communities in taking up immunisations. This study had two aims.

UNderstanding uptake of Immunisations in TravellIng aNd Gypsy communities (UNITING): a qualitative interview study.

Background: Gypsies, Travellers and Roma (referred to as Travellers) are less likely to access health services, including immunisation. To improve immunisation rates, we need to understand what helps and hinders individuals in these communities in taking up immunisations.

Aims: (1) Investigate the barriers to and facilitators of acceptability and uptake of immunisations among six Traveller communities across four UK cities; and (2) identify possible interventions to increase uptake of immunisations in these Traveller communities that could be tested in a subsequent feasibility study.

Clinical review of Hendra virus infection in 11 horses in New South Wales, Australia.

Case Series: Between 2006 and 2012, there were 11 horses diagnosed with Hendra virus (HeV) on 9 independent premises in New South Wales (NSW). We defined a case of HeV as premises where one or more horses were confirmed to be infected with HeV by PCR. All the cases occurred in the north-eastern region of NSW.

Comparative sensitivity of various faecal culture methods and ELISA in dairy cattle herds with endemic Johne's disease.

In three New South Wales dairy cattle herds with endemic Johne's disease, prevalence rates by faecal culture were determined to be 12, 18 and 22%, respectively. Whole herd faecal culture was shown to detect markedly more infected cattle than whole herd testing by the EMAI absorbed ELISA, particularly in the two herds with greatest prevalence. In the three study herds, five methods for whole herd faecal culture were compared in each.

Multimodal approach to screening for ovarian cancer.

1010 postmenopausal women were recruited for an ovarian cancer screening programme incorporating serum CA-125 measurement and vaginal examination as initial tests and real-time ultrasonography as a secondary procedure in selected cases. The normal range for serum CA-125 in postmenopausal women was established. The specificity for ovarian cancer of serum CA-125 measurement and vaginal examination were 97.