A CROSS-border taskforce on the Hendra virus met on Wednesday in Brisbane for the first time.

The taskforce, which includes the chief vets of New South Wales and Queensland, scientists, health officers and the CSIRO, is planning a co- ordinated response to the deadly bat-borne disease.

There have been six outbreaks in just two-and-a-half weeks, from northern New South Wales to Far North Queensland.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell have agreed to share information and resources of their respective biosecurity and health departments in the fight against Hendra.

The taskforce will include chief vets, chief health officers and chief scientists from both states as well as a CSIRO representative.

“While Queensland and NSW have already been sharing information on this disease, this task force will formalise that relationship and the response,” Ms Bligh said.

“Hendra virus is affecting both states and there is a lot to be gained by sharing knowledge and experience.

“We will be analysing the situation in both states to better understand the outbreak, identifying areas for further collaboration and undertaking longer-term planning for managing the disease and its impacts.”

The cross-border initiative follows the latest Hendra outbreak in which seven horses have died since June 20 and 11 properties are quarantined.

A total of 32 people (17 Qld, 15 NSW) are believed to have been exposed to Hendra-infected horses and all now face three rounds of tests before they get the all-clear.