Biosecurity Queensland is managing a new hendra virus case on a property between Cairns and Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia, after a positive test result was received Sept. 5.

Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer Jim Thompson, BVSc, MACVSc, said the property owner contacted a veterinarian on Sept. 3 after the horse became ill. The horse died before the vet arrived at the property.

"Biosecurity officers are currently assessing the situation but from preliminary information we understand there are 13 other horses on the property," Thompson said. "Tracing is a priority to determine what contact the infected horse may have had with other animals.

"Biosecurity Queensland officers have quarantined the property," he continued. "Restrictions will apply to moving horses and horse materials on and off the infected property, and the property will be quarantined for at least one month