Australian animal health officials have reported that six horses have died or been euthanized as a result of a hendra virus infection since June 20, according to a report released today (July 5) by the Sydney Morning Herald.

The most recent confirmed case was located south of Brisbane and the horse died on July 4. Tests confirmed the horse was infected with the hendra virus, the report noted.

The most recent death brings the total to six thus far this year (five were located in Queensland and one was located in New South Wales, the only two Australian states that have ever reported the virus). All of the properties that housed affected horses are currently under quarantine.

The report also noted that 17 people in Queensland and nine in New South Wales are also under observation for exposure to the deadly disease, which has killed several humans since its discovery in the mid-1990s

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