Hendra Virus Class Action

What is the Hendra Virus Class Action?

A Class action has been commenced in the Federal Court of Australia by Rachael Abbott (Applicant) against Zoetis Australia Pty Limited (Zoetis). The action has been brought by the Applicant on her own behalf and on the behalf of all persons who satisfy the definition of ‘class member’ in the proceedings.

Zoetis manufactured and marketed the Hendra Equivac HeV vaccine administered to many horses throughout Australia.

The Applicant alleges that in their marketing and promotional material Zoetis have made representations including:

1. There was a serious risk of horses contracting Hendra virus in all areas of Australia in which flying foxes were present;

2. The vaccine had no serious side-effects; and

3. All horses in Australia should be treated with the HeV vaccine

The Applicant also alleges that from 10 August 2012 to 20 March 2018 class member’s horses suffered side effects from the HeV vaccine and as result, the class members suffered loss or damage.

Alleged losses or damages include diminution in the financial value of the horse, veterinary treatment expenses, loss of income generated by the horse, loss of opportunity to gain income from the horse and the replacement value of the horse.

A sample class member, Kellie Hinton has also been identified in relation to a claim that the HeV vaccine was not of an “acceptable quality” within the meaning of section 54(2) of the Australian Consumer Law. This claim is brought by Kellie Hinton on her behalf and on behalf of class members.

Zoetis denies any wrongdoing or liability.

Am I eligible to participate?

You are a class member if, in the period from 10 August 2012 to 20 March 2018, you are a person or entity who suffered loss or damage as result of Zoetis’s alleged conduct.

What steps do I need to take to complete this registration form?

As part of the registration, you will be asked to provide information on the following:

• Details of your horse/s that were injected with the HeV product; and
• The side-effects experienced by the horse/s;

In order for LHD to represent you in the class action, you will be asked to enter a Retainer and Cost Agreement with LHD Lawyers. In order to enter into the agreement, you will be asked to electronically accept the terms of the agreement.  A copy of the full agreement will then be provided to you as part of the registration process.

You will receive an email confirming receipt of your registration. If you do not receive this email within 48 hours, please call LHD Lawyers on 02 9264 6644 or email mhgroup@lhd.com.au to confirm your registration.

Cooling Off Period

Group members have a cooling off period of 5 days from the date of acceptance of the Retainer and Cost Agreement. This enables you to seek external legal advice, discuss any questions, negotiate the terms of the agreement or withdraw from the agreement.

Following registration, you will receive timely notification of any relevant disclosures in respect to the case:

Alternatively, you can opt out of the proceedings at any time, though you may not opt-in again.

How Much Will I Have to Pay?

LHD is conducting the Hendra Class Action on a ‘no win no fee’ basis. We believe that providing legal services in this way provides those affected with access to justice.

Registration in the Hendra Class Action will not expose you to any out of pocket costs. Unless and until there is a successful outcome, all costs incurred will be carried by LHD Lawyers.