‘Pretty devastating’: exploring horse owner and veterinarian lived experiences of the equine Hendra virus.

Overview

• This study explores the personal experiences and emotional challenges faced by horse owners and veterinarians dealing with the Hendra virus (HeV) in Australia.
• It uses qualitative research methods to deepen understanding of how these groups perceive and respond to the risks of HeV within a One Health framework that connects human, animal, and environmental health.

Background and Importance

• Hendra virus is a rare but dangerous zoonotic disease—meaning it can pass from animals to humans—endemic to certain areas of Australia.
• More than 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, making HeV a critical example of diseases that require integrated responses involving human health, animal health, and environmental factors.
• The One Health approach promotes collaboration among veterinarians, medical professionals, environmental scientists, and policymakers to address complex health threats effectively.
• Previous studies primarily examined how prepared horse owners and vets were in managing HeV risks, but less is known about their emotional experiences and how these affect their behavior.

Research Objectives and Methodology

• The study aimed to characterize the lived experiences of horse owners and veterinarians navigating HeV risk and identify practical recommendations to improve health responses.
• Researchers applied Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative approach focusing on how individuals make sense of their lived experiences.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 horse owners and 5 veterinarians from a regional area in northern New South Wales, Australia, where HeV is a relevant threat.

Key Findings

• Horse owners’ experiences revealed four main themes, while veterinarians’ responses condense into two overarching themes.
• The findings highlight significant emotional complexity, including grief, anxiety, and stress related to recognizing and responding to HeV risk.
• The emotional toll underscores the need for mental health support mechanisms tailored to people involved in managing such zoonotic outbreaks.
• Participants expressed the importance of support structures that include trusted general practitioners and mental health practitioners experienced in handling emergency or crisis situations.
• There was a clear call for detailed and clear guidance on managing uncertain or deteriorating health conditions in horses potentially infected with HeV.

Implications for Policy and Practice

• This study demonstrates how qualitative social science methods add valuable insights when used within One Health frameworks, providing a human-centered perspective on zoonotic disease management.
• Findings suggest that improving communication, psychological support, and specific clinical guidance can enhance the resilience and response effectiveness of both horse owners and veterinarians facing HeV.
• Recommendations include fostering cross-sector collaboration to develop targeted messaging that addresses emotional and practical challenges simultaneously.
• Policies should integrate mental health services and trusted medical liaisons as part of disease response plans to mitigate the psychological impact on those at risk.
• The approach and findings could be applicable to managing other emerging zoonotic diseases, not just HeV, by emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.