Hendra virus is carried by flying foxes, Australian fruit-eating bats endemic to tropical and sub-tropical regions. Horses get it by inadvertently ingesting infected droppings or bodily fluids. | Photo: iStock

An unvaccinated mare residing near Scone in the Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has been confirmed positive for Hendra virus, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) reported June 12. This is the farthest south a case of Hendra in a horse has been diagnosed.

The horse developed neurologic signs on June 7, three days after being confined to a yard. The owners elected euthanasia after the mare became unresponsive to treatment. As the horse was unvaccinated and had sudden-onset neurological signs, the owners contacted the animal diseases hotline.

A district veterinarian from Hunter Local Lands Services visited the property on June 9 to collect samples for Hendra virus testing. Testing at the state veterinary laboratory at Menangle confirmed Hendra infection on June 12