THE death of a horse infected with the hendra virus at Currumbin Valley on Tuesday has put Gold Coast and Tweed Shire horse owners on high alert.

Queensland’s 11th confirmed case of hendra virus led to the property being quarantined, while authorities tested another 22 horses for the virus.

Property owner Collette Greer said yesterday it had been a tiring time.

“They’ve just been doing tests all day,” Mrs Greer said.

“We won’t know anything for at least five days.”

The horse’s owner, who does not live on the property, and vet, both of whom had both been in contact with the horse, had also been tested. Mrs Greer said the results of those tests would not be known for about 10 days.

“It’s absolutely dreadful ... very sad,” she said.

Queensland chief veterinary officer Rick Symons said it was not necessary to restrict horse movement in Queensland.

“Hendra virus is not highly infectious and, consequently, the horse industry is not subject to movement restrictions for hendra virus, except for any property that is under quarantine for hendra virus,” Dr Symons said.

“While people are free to move their horses, we would encourage them to practise good biosecurity practices and not travel, work on or take unwell horses to other properties or equestrian events.”

Murwillumbah horse trainer Matthew Dunn said he was taking all necessary precautions.

“Obviously we are doing everything we can, right through the year,” he said.

“There’s not much more that we can do.

“It’s a bit unfortunate that these cases keep popping up.”

But Mr Dunn said geography was on his side.

“The closest bat colony that we have is about 15km away,” he said.

“I’d be nervous training at Ballina ... they’ve got one one block away from the racecourse.

"The people more at risk are (those with) horses in paddocks. Where we are we are pretty safe.”

Horses Helping Humans owner Susanne Spence keeps four horses in Tallebudgera. She uses the horses to teach people communication skills.

She said she was aware of the threat the hendra virus presented and was keeping an eye developments.

“It’s freaked me out because it’s only over the back of our hill,” she said.

“We do have bats – we can hear them at night. We have to ride this out until we get a vaccine.”

She has taken steps such as pointing halogen lamps into trees at night.

“I check my paddock for dropped fruit every morning ... I’ve given nets to my neighbours,” she said.

“(I’ve) just spent thousands of dollars on putting up stables so they are locked up.”

If hendra virus is suspected immediately contact Biosecurity Queensland on 132 523 or the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.