HORSE owners in the Rose City are being told to stay vigilant and have their horses vaccinated following the death of a horse infected with Hendra Virus on a property near Gladstone on Thursday.

The Calliope property the horse died on will be quarantined by Biosecurity Queensland for at least a month.

While it may be far afield from the Southern Downs, Warwick vet Chris Reardon said vaccination was the only way to keep horses and people safe from the deadly virus.

"The Hendra vaccine is commercially available and safe for horses," he said.

"It's about protecting humans and saving lives."

Dr Reardon said the Hendra Virus was particularly dangerous for humans.

"Hendra carries with it a 50% chance of dying if you become infected," he said.

"The virus can shed two days before an infected horse showed any symptoms."

The cost of the vaccine, especially for those with multiple horses, has been raised as an issue, according to Dr Reardon.

"The cost is not that excessive when you compare it to a human life," he said.

Meanwhile, an equine vet who treated horses at the Calliope property for unrelated issues a year ago said she felt very sad finding out about the infection.

"Enough is enough, people have to vaccinate," Dr Kris Thompson said.

"It's just avoidable now with the vaccine being available. "Just I've seen what people go through when they do have a case, so it's just very sad."

For more information on prevention of Hendra virus or biosecurity steps in an incident, visit http://www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Preventing Hendra

•  Discuss with your vet about vaccinating horses.
•  Horse feed and water containers should be removed from under trees
•  Owners should inspect and identify flowering/fruiting trees on their property and remove horses from paddocks with trees attracting flying foxes
•  Ensure sick horses are isolated from other horses, people and animals
•  Handle unaffected horses first, only handle sick horses after taking appropriate precautions

When cleaning contaminated equipment or dealing with a sick horse, wear gloves, cover any cuts or crazes and wash hands thoroughly