Veterinarians with Biosecurity Queensland have taken samples from 25 horses at a Cawarral horse facility to confirm any further cases of Hendra virus following the deaths of three horses at the property since July 28. The most recent death, which occurred Aug. 8, has been confirmed as a Hendra virus case.

Investigators have also tracked the 11 horses that had left the property. These horses went to eight locations: seven in Queensland (Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Cawarral area), and one in New South Wales (near Manilla).

The horses are in isolation and under movement controls. All horses have been tested to exclude the possibility of any further infection and are reported as being healthy. Initial results from the sampling are expected later today (Thursday).

The virus has only been reported in Australia. Fruit bats (known as flying foxes in Australia) indigenous to the continent appear to be its natural host. Typical equine clinical signs of Hendra include respiratory distress, frothy nasal discharge, elevated heart rate, and increased body temperature. Some horses display neurologic signs, such as head-pressing or twitching, while others might appear to be colicky