Three Properties Quarantined In Latest Hendra Incident

Biosecurity Queensland has quarantined three properties near Bowen, including 18 horses on these properties, following a confirmed case of Hendra virus in a horse that died last week.

Biosecurity Queensland Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Rick Symons said there were no longer any horses on the initial infected premise. "The three quarantined properties are all neighbouring properties," said Dr Symons. "Biosecurity Queensland will continue to work with all affected horse and property owners and keep them up to date with the steps required to ensure the incident is contained. "A thorough testing regime has been initiated with all possible contact horses to make certain this virus has not spread and these properties can be removed from quarantine and return to their normal activities. "All horses appear to be healthy at this time."´ Dr Symons said people in the Bowen community could obtain information on Hendra virus from static displays around town. "Information displays can be found at the council offices, the library and the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) Bowen office," he said. "The QPIF mobile office arrives in Bowen today and will provide a great source of information for the community. It will be in the Bowen district over the next few days. "Our community engagement officers will also be in town with the bus and speaking to affected properties and interest groups to answer any questions and to provide advice where possible." More information on the Hendra virus can be found on the QPIF websit or by contacting the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23. ________ There are no longer any horses at the Bowen property. One horse was put down last week and a second was euthanised late yesterday. A third horse originally at the property died last month. The property’s sole human occupant and attending veterinarian, Dr. Tim Annand, who treated one of the infected horses, are being monitored by Health authorities. {sidebar id=3}