Eighth Australian Horse Tests Positive for Hendra Virus

The total number of confirmed hendra cases has risen to eight after a horse died Tuesday (July 12) at a ranch
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The total number of confirmed hendra cases has risen to eight after a horse died Tuesday (July 12) at a ranch in Queensland, Australia. Thirty additional horses living on the property have been quarantined, according to a report from ABC News Australia.

Six cases have now been confirmed in Queensland and two in New South Wales. The report noted that the new case was found in the northern part of Queensland, outside the region where the disease has traditionally been found.

Hendra virus (which has killed more than 40 horses since its discovery in 1994) has been known to yield numerous clinical signs in horses including respiratory distress, frothy nasal discharge, elevated body temperature (above 40°C, or 104°F), and elevated heart rate; however, authorities caution that hendra infection does not have specific signs.

The horse reportedly fell ill on July 10 and was seen by a veterinarian, who took samples for testing. ABC News indicated that the horse was depressed, ataxic, and displayed neurologic signs before dying yesterday

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Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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