Development and validation of an IgM antibody capture ELISA for early detection of Hendra virus

•First serology test which detects early levels of IgM antibody following an Hendra virus infection in horses.•Use of the Hendra N protein which is not present in the current vaccine against Hendra virus.•Excellent correlation between IgM ELISA and other serology tests currently used for Hendra virus detection.•This IgM antibody capture ELISA can complement the current serology tests for early detection of Hendra virus.