QLD: Hendra clinic owner hopeful of govt funds

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2008
QLD: Hendra clinic owner hopeful of govt funds

By Jessica Marszalek

BRISBANE, Aug 4 AAP - The owner of a Brisbane veterinary practice infected by the Hendra
virus hopes the Queensland government will provide funding to keep the clinic open.

Redlands Veterinary Clinic owner David Lovell said his business had been turned into
a government controlled quarantine station,

He said the clinic was losing about $50,000 a week and he would be forced to close
and sack all staff if the government did not step in.

While the clinic was maintaining quarantined horses on behalf of owners, it was unable
to trade, Dr Lovell said.

Animals have been quarantined at the bayside facility since the first of four horses
died of Hendra virus there, early last month.

"In effect, we've been taken over by the government as a quarantine station and we've
been looking after the horses and we've run out of money," Dr Lovell said.

"It's a fairly simple exercise in mathematics."

Dr Lovell said a closure would affect more than 30 staff.

"It's not an issue I've really been discussing with them but none of them are stupid,
they are all well aware they have had their hours cut back ... everyone has to be worried,"

he said.

"You're always optimistic and looking for the best in the future.

"I guess they rely on me to sort something out to keep it going."

Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said the government had forged a close working
relationship with the clinic, helping with quarantine and providing a Biosecurity Queensland
vet since the outbreak.

"We also have assisted the veterinary clinic move part of its clinic to new premises
so that the business may continue," Mr Mulherin said.

He said ways the government might continue to help were to be discussed this afternoon.

Two clinic staff members, a vet and a senior vet nurse, are in hospital infected with
the Hendra virus.

Four horses at the Redlands clinic have died as well as two at Proserpine in the state's north.

About 12 people who have had contact with the Redlands clinic will have a third round
of blood tests later this month to determine if they are clear of the potentially deadly
virus.

AAP jmm/pjo/jpm/bwl

KEYWORD: HENDRA LEAD

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