Agriculture Victoria's investigation into multiple sudden horse deaths is continuing.

The investigation is in its early stages and extensive surveillance and testing is explore the possible causes of the illness and death in horses, which have occurred since Tuesday 4 July.

Agriculture Victoria is working with private veterinarians and industry experts, responding to calls and building a bigger picture of the situation.

Horse owners should monitor their animals and report any sudden deaths or rapid onset illness immediately to their local vet, Agriculture Victoria or via the emergency animal disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Those who are concerned about sick horses should seek advice from their vet. Rapid reporting after death will assist Agriculture Victoria and veterinarians to further investigate the situation.

As at 4pm Monday 17 July 2023, there have been 13 confirmed sudden horse deaths on five separate properties reported to Agriculture Victoria. The reported properties are located on the Mornington Peninsula (one property), south-east Melbourne (two properties near Cranbourne) and near Ballarat and Colac in the west. It is not yet known what has caused these deaths. Some of the cases which have just been reported occurred some weeks ago.

Early testing for a wide variety of infectious diseases, including Hendra and anthrax, has been negative however the investigation remains ongoing. More testing is required, for a range of possible infectious and non-infectious causes.

It is not yet known what has caused these deaths. All horses died quickly with short term non-specific signs of illness and initial assessment has not revealed immediate common links.

Agriculture Victoria has also looked into other reports made to the hotline which are not believed to have any connection at this stage.

As testing of samples for infectious disease to date has been negative, there’s no cause to restrict any movements of horses or separate horses at this stage. Horse events and movements can go ahead as planned.

There have also been several reports on social media channels of further affected properties. Agriculture Victoria is calling on these owners to make contact so they can assist with investigations.

Early testing for some infectious diseases has been negative. More testing is required, however, for a range of possible infectious and non-infectious causes.

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