Racing Queensland is urging horse owners to vaccinate against Hendra virus after the deadly disease claimed a horse’s life in southeast Queensland — the first confirmed case in the region in three years.
Biosecurity Queensland confirmed the horse tested positive last Friday and its condition “rapidly deteriorated”.
The animal had not been vaccinated.
“Racing Queensland recommends vaccination and disseminates information to its industry participants on prevention and appropriate management of any ill horses,” a spokesperson said.
They clarified the horse was not a racehorse.
Queensland Health is now monitoring people who had contact with the horse, as the virus can spread to humans and be fatal.
“While the virus can spread from horses to people, it is rare,” said Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll.
Flying foxes are known carriers of the virus, which was first identified in 1994.
Since then, 66 outbreaks have been recorded, resulting in the deaths of four people and 90 horses.
