Credit: csiro.au

Biosecurity Queensland has hurried to a Sunshine Coast property amid fears of an outbreak of Hendra virus.

It was confirmed on Thursday night that a horse put down earlier this week at the Tewantin property had the virus.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said officers from Biosecurity Queensland and Queensland Health would quarantine the property as a precautionary measure as the virus could have affected another horse.

They would be at the property on Friday interview the owners and anyone else who may have had contact with the affected horse.

We are taking the situation very seriously and are working closely with the property owners, and the vet involved, and will be contacting neighbours as soon as possible.

There is one other horse on the property which will be tested but currently shows no sign of illness at this stage.

Up to seven people exposed to the infected horse will have to wait six weeks to find out if they are clear of the life-threatening virus.

Queensland Health is offering free testing and counselling for anyone concerned.

Four people have died from Hendra in the past 15 years.

It is the 41st horse to die from the illness since 1994.

jm

Medicine