Goodbye Dusty - Hendra Positive Dog Put Down

 

The Fearon family decided to put down their beloved young pet, Dusty the Kelpie dog, after he tested positive to Hendra Virus antibodies.

In a statement released through Federal member for Wright Scott Buchholz, the Fearon family of Mount Alford indicated they had made the decision to have the beloved family pet humanely euthanased rather than waiting for Biosecurity Queensland to compel them to have Dusty destroyed. 

The family said they made the decision after results of his most recent blood tests confirmed that he carried Hendra virus antibodies, which meant he was at risk of shedding the virus to other animals.

"We are devastated by the loss of our fourth family animal to the Hendra virus and are particularly saddened to witness the affect the loss of our young dog has had on our children,'' he said.

"We remain in awe of the support our family has been offered by friends and strangers nationwide.

"The campaigns and messages of support continue to comfort all of us.''

Three horses have also succumbed to Hendra Virus on the Fearon's Mount Alford property.