© AAP

Allegations of harmful reactions to Hendra virus vaccine and risks to veterinarians treating unvaccinated horses will be aired at six public hearings for a parliamentary inquiry.

Chair of the parliament’s Agriculture and Environment Committee and State Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, says the committee’s hearings will be a crucial phase of its inquiry into the Hendra virus vaccine and its use by Queensland veterinarians.

“We will use the hearings to try to separate the myths from the facts for the inquiry.”

“The inquiry has attracted a lot of interest with almost 300 written submissions from scientific experts, equine groups, veterinarians and horse owners.”

“Submissions have come from across Queensland, as well as interstate and overseas submitters.”

“Many submitters have criticised the vaccine, claiming adverse reactions in horses after being vaccinated. Horse owners have also questioned the ‘no vaccination – no treatment’ policies adopted by some veterinarians seeking to reduce their exposure to the virus.”

“Other submissions have criticised horse owners who choose not to vaccinate horses, potentially increasing the infection risks for veterinarians and others who handle horses.”

“Veterinarians have raised practical concerns about the difficulties of wearing personal protective equipment in Queensland’s tropical climate, and the additional problems and costs involved.”

“Our hearings will give vets, horse owners and other stakeholders the chance to have their say about these and other issues.”

The committee is due to report its findings by 22 August 2016.

Hearing details:

Cairns: Monday 4 July – 4:30pm to 6:00pm – Pullman Reef Casino Hotel, Wharf Street

Jimboomba: Tuesday 5 July – 2:00pm to 4:00pm – Emmaus College School Hall, East St

Brisbane: Wednesday 6 July – 8:30am to 11:30am – Parliament House

Redlands: Wednesday 6 July – 1.30pm to 3:00pm – Redlands Sporting Club, Anson Rd

Nambour: Thursday 7 July – 8:30am to 10:00am – Nambour RSL, Matthew St

Rockhampton: Thursday 7 July – 2:00 to 3:15pm Frenchville Sports Club, Clifton St North Rockhampton

Source: Agriculture And Environment Committee