Last Friday, a horse died due to Hendra virus in Cairns and several people were suspected to be carrying the virus. Biosecurity Queensland officials came to assess those eight people, who were said to be close to the horse at the time of its death.

However, it is now being revealed that five of them have been said to be having negligible chances of being affected by the virus and have been given a clean chit. Dr. Rick Symons, who is the chief veterinarian, was of the view that the case has made them to be little more alert.

This is the reason that they will be checking out for more horses, so timely treatment can be done. This is their usual policy that they carry out a normal survey and quarantine the ones, which they seem to be affected.

For now, the property where the horse died in Cairns, has been sealed and will only be opened at the time when the authorities concerned will be sure that it is free from the virus. While explaining the experience with the horse at Cairns property, Symons said, "When our biosecurity inspector examined the animal it was showing twitching, it was very unsteady on its feet and it was circling and looking quite uncomfortable”.