Horse Dies of Hendra Virus Near Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A horse has reportedly died from Hendra virus at a property near Newcastle. 

Authorities have confirmed the unvaccinated 24-year-old horse died of the virus after it was detected late last night. 

NSW DPI Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Jo Coombe said "the horse was depressed, uncoordinated, had a nasal discharge and high temperatures." 

 
A private vet is reportedly working to undertake a risk assessment of the property but says at this stage no other animals or residents are showing signs of poor health. 

It's the first time Hendra virus has been detected in NSW since October 2021. 

Owners in the region are being encouraged to vaccinated their horses, and keep them away from flowering or fruiting trees which attract bats. 

Horse rescued from river at Muswellbrook

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A horse has been rescued after crossing to the wrong side of the Hunter River at Muswellbrook on Thursday morning.

Fire crews were called to the Racecourse Road property around 8:50am.

Using a rope system attached to the horse's bridle, they helped the owners return the horse safely across the water.

BREAKING! Horse Killed In Crash At Belford

 BY IAN CROUCH

A horse has been killed and another badly injured in a crash at Belford.

Police and RFS crews were called to the New England Highway near Bell Road just before 4.30am on Wednesday to reports of a crash involving a car and a horse in the eastbound lanes.

They arrived to find one horse deceased and began searching for a second which was found nearby with broken legs.

No persons were injured in the crash.

One southbound lane is open as the clean up effort continues.

Horse Owners to Continue as Usual

BY ALICE PEART

Horse owners in the Upper Hunter have been given the all-clear to continue as usual after a confirmed case of the deadly Hendra virus last week on a property near Scone.

The case was reported after rapid on-set of symptoms in an unvaccinated mare on Friday, June 7 when the owners called the animal diseases hotline.

It is the furthest south the virus has been detected in the state but officials have said there is no further cause for alarm.

The infected horse was euthanised and the remaining horses on the property are being closely monitored by the District Vet.

Apart from the property involved in the case there are no transport restrictions and owners are being told planned events should continue as usual, with the importance of good biosecurity compliance being stressed.

For more information on the virus visit the DPI site.

Hero Neigh-bour saves Kurri Kurri Horse from Dog Attack

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A horse in Kurri Kurri has been left battered and bruised after being attacked by dogs.

The much-loved equine, known as George, was grazing in a paddock on Boundary Street when the animals set upon him, leaving him with exposed bones and gaping wounds on his face and side.

The horse was saved by a neighbour, who used a milk crate to fight off the dogs, who are described as medium sized with a grey-black coat.

It follows last Tuesday's Great Dane Attack on a Mayfield toddler which saw him undergo surgery to reattach parts of his ear and resulted in the dog, known as Rossco, being put down.

The attack on 3-year-old Tom Higgins was the 3rd dog attack on a child this month.

On March 3rd, a baby girl was mauled to death by a pet dog at Inverell; with the recent attacks sparking warnings from animal experts to vigilantly monitor pets' behaviour.

George the horse looking worse for wear. Image: The Herald.