Biosecurity Queensland has recently been informed that eight people may have been exposed to the potentially fatal Hendra virus after coming into contact with a horse that died from the infectious disease on Sunday in Biddaddaba, in southeast Queensland.

The Hendra virus is believed to be carried by fruit bats and spread to horses through their urine and droppings. Once contracted by horse, the disease can then be passed onto humans through direct contact with horse tissue.

The disease was first discovered in 1994 in Hendra, a suburb outside of Brisbane, and in the 7 years since, it has infected and killed around 50 horses. Of the 7 reported cases of a human being infected by the deadly disease, four have died.

The virus, which can lead to fatal respiratory illness, is believed to be unique to Australia and all of the reported cases have been in the southeastern part of the country.

The eight people who were in direct contact with the latest horse to die from the disease have since undergone testing to determine if they have contracted the disease. Typically, the disease takes 7 to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

According to Queensland chief veterinary officer Rick Symons, “We believe we've got any disease contained”.