The Australian hendra virus outbreak took an unexpected turn yesterday (July 26) when a dog on one of the hendra-affected properties in southern Queensland tested positive for the virus. This is the first time the disease has been noted outside a laboratory in a species other than a horse, human, or flying fox, according to a report from the Australian news website ABC.

The report indicates that the dog belongs to the owner of several horses that tested positive for hendra virus. Although the dog produced two negative hendra tests, a different type of test conducted at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory confirmed the dog had antibodies for the disease.

Rick Symons, BVSc, MBA, PhD, Queensland’s chief veterinary officer, relayed in the article that the antibodies mean the dog has been exposed to the virus, but is not showing any outward signs of illness. He also noted that there is "minimal risk" of the affected dog infecting humans.

A total of 14 horses have died or been euthanized as a result of hendra virus outbreak in Australia since late June. This year the disease has been confirmed in the westernmost and southernmost points it has ever been identified