Second Hendra Virus Case Confirmed at Beachmere

 

A second horse has been euthanased at a Beachmere property after returning a positive test result for Hendra virus infection.

Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said this was one of the two remaining horses at the Beachmere property where a horse was euthanased last Tuesday.

“Samples were taken for Hendra virus testing from the two horses remaining on the property and we received a positive result for one of these horses,” Dr Symons said.

“Three horses have now died at this property in the past fortnight. One was euthanased almost two weeks ago after becoming seriously ill and being diagnosed as suffering from colic. No samples from that horse are available for testing and we will not be able to confirm if that horse was actually infected by Hendra virus.”

Dr Symons said the property would remain under quarantine until at least late November.

This Hendra virus incident is the tenth in Queensland this year and this latest case is the thirteenth horse to be infected with the virus.

Up to date information on Hendra virus is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au, including important workplace health and safety information for horse properties and other horse related businesses, and details of upcoming public information sessions.

Quick Link

• For more information contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au