Sudden Victorian horse deaths update

20 July 2023

Agriculture Victoria investigations into 13 sudden horse deaths since the start of July has found no common links to date between the five affected properties and no evidence of infectious disease.

At this point, Agriculture Victoria has only found normal causes of death.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke today thanked horse owners and veterinarians for providing information and samples, helping to build the bigger picture.

‘Action was taken on Saturday, 15 July, as soon as we were notified of the multiple sudden horse deaths – we’ve been working with private veterinarians and experts to understand the causes of those deaths, and alerting horse owners and the public via a media release, website update, social media and industry updates,’ Dr Cooke said.

‘Our investigation has identified no immediate common link between these incidents, and no evidence of an infectious cause, so there’s no need to restrict horse movements or horse events.’

‘We’re continuing to attend properties, work with owners, vets and experts, test samples and look into all reports of horse deaths made to our hotline,’ Dr Cooke said.

‘The best chance of getting some answers requires early notification and extensive sample collection for any new cases.’

‘Even though substantial awareness has been raised about these incidents, the last reported multiple sudden deaths occurred on Friday, 14 July.

‘Further to that, some of the reports we’ve received this week date back to early July.’

Dr Cooke said Agriculture Victoria was aware of a recently confirmed case of Hendra virus in New South Wales. However, available samples from the incidents in Victoria have been tested for Hendra virus with negative results. Hendra virus has never been detected in horses in Victoria.

In the meantime, Dr Cooke advised that horse owners should always monitor their animals, conduct good parasite management and weed control, and ensure good quality feed and water is provided.

Horse owners should also register their horse with a Property Identification Code (PIC) – an important communications and traceability tool used during animal health incidents

‘This system has enabled Agriculture Victoria to contact 19,000 PIC holders registered in Victoria as having horses on their properties about this current issue,’ Dr Cooke said.

PICs are free and quick and can be done on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Please report any sudden deaths or onset of illness in their horses immediately to your local vet, Agriculture Victoria or via the emergency animal disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for the latest information.

Media contact: Lucy Hayes

Phone: 0437 762 668