Biosecurity Queensland is confident it has contained and controlled the potentially deadly Hendra virus in Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland.
A horse became ill on Saturday at a property at Kerry.
It was returned home to nearby Biddaddaba, where it died on Sunday.
It wasn’t known at the time of transfer that the horse had the virus.
It had come into contact, or was in the vicinity of eight people, as well as five other horses at Kerry and 25 horses at Biddaddaba.
The two properties are under quarantine; horses will not be allowed to leave but people can move about freely.
Initial blood samples have been taken of all people and five horses, with results due later this week.
The other 25 horses at Biddaddaba will have blood tests on Thursday.
Biosecurity Queensland chief veterinary officer Rick Symons said those affected are believed to have had a low to moderate level of exposure and so far none have shown any symptoms.
“At the moment we are happy that we have contained the disease,” Dr Symons told reporters in Brisbane.
“The horses in the area, the other properties, we are aware that this is a big horse area, can feel confident the disease is under control.”
A highly experimental treatment using monoclonal antibodies is available to help prevent hendra virus, but because those involved had low to moderate contact it is not being offered.
Second blood tests will be taken within 21 days and another test after six weeks, until everyone can be cleared.
Neighbours have been doorknocked but the likelihood of it spreading to nearby properties is minimal.
No other horses or people will be tested for the virus at this stage.
“It is not likely to spread from property to property without the movement of horses,” Mr Symons said.
The bat-borne virus can spread among horses, who can in turn infect humans who come into close contact with their respiratory secretions or blood.
Bat researchers have investigated the Kerry property and found fig tree in bloom and flying foxes.
“That’s the possible cause of transmission,” Mr Symons said.
AAP TURF
