Hendra vaccine by-law dumped

Australia's peak equestrian body has dumped a regulation that could have introduced mandatory Hendra vaccination at some horse events.

Equestrian Australia officially revoked its Hendra vaccination by-law on Monday, though the regulation was suspended in September 2014 before it ever came into effect.

The by-law could have made Hendra vaccination a condition of entry for certain equestrian events in high-risk Hendra-prone regions.

EA chief executive Grant Baldock says the regulation was revoked after extensive consultation and monitoring of the industry.

He says the move will enable an expert panel of vets, researchers and event organisers to independently assess the situation and come up with the best policy going forward.

"We are working with all bodies, including our expert panel, to get a sensible outcome," Mr Baldock said.

He said member and horse welfare was the most important consideration, and the situation would be continually monitored.

Horses are believed to contract Hendra from feed contaminated by urine, saliva or birthing fluids from flying foxes.

Hendra has killed four people in Queensland since 1994.