AS THE peak hendra virus season continues to place the Queensland equine community at risk, horse owners are being asked to vaccinate now, with the second dose of the potentially lifesaving hendra vaccine, Equivac HeV, available free.

From now until July 31, Zoetis, the manufacturer of Equivac HeV, is providing horse owners with their second dose of the vaccine free through some vets.

Horse owners should visit http://www.health4horses.com.au for terms and conditions of the offer.

"With 60 per cent of hendra virus outbreaks occurring between May and July, the offer has been timed to give horse owners the best chance possible to help protect themselves, their families and the wider community," said Dr Stephanie Armstrong from Zoetis.

"Equine Veterinarians Australia and Equestrian Australia are urging owners and handlers to take advantage of the offer to help protect themselves and their horses during this time of greatest risk.

"There are no second chances with hendra, 100 per cent of horses diagnosed with the virus die. Even more worrying, there is a 57 per cent mortality rate in people that contract the disease," said Dr Warwick Vale, president of the EVA and chairman of Equestrian Australia.

"The hendra disease is now effectively preventable."

The offer follows a groundswell of support for Equivac HeV from the equine industry.

This includes the backing of world-renowned Coolmore Stud, where over 400 mares were vaccinated, and the Queensland, NSW and WA Mounted Police, who recently vaccinated their horses against hendra.

The free dose offer is only available through participating veterinarians.

Consultation fees and any associated travel costs for the administering veterinarian will apply.