Hendra virus is transmitted to horses from flying foxes, a type of fruit bat that frequents Australia, but the exact method of transmission remains unclear. | Photo: iStock

Australian animal health officials are urging horse owners to remain vigilant following confirmation of Hendra virus in New South Wales. The affected horse, an unvaccinated 4-year-old Arabian-cross, was located near Tweed Heads.

New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer Sarah Britton, BVSc, MACVSc, Dipl. VetClinStud., said the property near Tweed Heads has been placed under movement restrictions by Local Land Services.

“This is the first confirmed case of Hendra virus in NSW this year,” Britton said. “Samples from the horse were sent by a private veterinarian for laboratory analysis to Queensland’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory at Coopers Plains and initial test results confirmed Hendra virus