New South Wales (NSW), Australia, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) veterinarians have confirmed hendra virus as the cause of death of one horse residing west of Murwillumbah on NSW's north coast.

“The property has been placed in quarantine by the local land services district veterinarian and the dead horse is being buried,” said NSW Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Therese Wright. “The 31-year-old stock horse gelding died overnight on Thursday this week after being found in a dam earlier that day and receiving treatment from a private veterinarian for very low body temperature.”

Wright said samples from the horse were sent for laboratory analysis and results received late June 20 confirmed hendra virus.

“The horse had been in a paddock on a rural acreage, in an area which has regular flying fox activity," she said. “Samples have been taken from five remaining horses on the property and the horses are under surveillance. Initial investigations indicate no horses have been moved off the property in recent weeks and there are no dogs or cats on the property