A property at Lowood in the Brisbane Valley has been quarantined after a horse died from Hendra virus over the weekend.
Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed testing on the horse returned the positive result for Hendra on Monday night.
“There are other horses on the property and we will be working to determine what contact the infected horse may have had with these other animals,” chief biosecurity officer Jim Thompson said.
“Testing and monitoring will then be undertaken over the next month.”
Dr Thompson said it was the third case of Hendra virus in Queensland this year.
The West Moreton Hospital and Health Service public health unit is assessing the situation to see if any people had contact with or exposure to the infected horse, and is standing by to offer assistance and treatment.
WMHHS acting physician Kari Jarvinen said transmission of the virus required close contact with body fluids of the sick horse.
"There is no evidence the virus can be passed directly from flying foxes to humans, from the environment to humans, or can be transmitted by airborne droplets," Dr Jarvinen said.
"Anyone who is concerned should contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).”
July to September is peak time for Hendra infection, but Dr Thompson said this incident showed it could happen at any time.
“Vaccination is the single most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses. It is recommended horse owners speak to their veterinarian about the option of vaccinating their horse against Hendra virus,” he said.
For more information on Hendra virus, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. For information on the vaccine, visit www.health4horses.com.au.