WITH the peak danger period for the deadly hendra virus approaching, horse owners in areas frequented by flying foxes are being urged to talk to their vet about vaccination.

The warning comes after two horses died at a property west of Allora after contracting the deadly Australian bat lyssavirus.

Agriculture Minister John McVeigh called on horse owners to protect their horses, families and employees from hendra, which claims about 75% of infected horses and has led to human deaths.

He said while recent data showed the vaccine offered protection for up to six months, people in contact with horses still needed to use "common" sense and follow hygiene practices.

"The hendra virus vaccine is only for hendra virus and horses can carry other diseases," Mr McVeigh said

"Anyone handling sick horses should take steps to protect themselves using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)."

This year, horses at Mackay and the Northern Tablelands died of the virus.

Zoetis doctor Stephanie Armstrong said the vaccine was crucial in breaking the hendra cycle.

Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Jim Thompson said research was continuing to determine if the vaccine will provide protection against hendra virus for up to 12 months. He said changes had also been made around the timing of the second dose which research suggests can be administrated anytime between three to six weeks after the first round.

More information is available at http://www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au