Australian horse owners are reminded to take steps to protect their animals from the risk of Hendra virus infection with the confirmation of a new case on the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland.

Queensland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Allison Crook, BVSc, MACVSc, said a property had been quarantined after a horse died on the site earlier this week.

"Testing has confirmed the horse had the virus," she said. "This is the first case of Hendra virus detected in Queensland this year.

"There are a number of other horses on the property and we’ll be monitoring them over the coming weeks,” she continued. “Biosecurity staff will also be conducting tracing to confirm whether this horse had any contact with other horses in the area. While the property is under quarantine, there are restrictions on the movement of horses and materials on and off the property