Clinic owner backs euthanising surviving horse
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Dr Lovell says says he is disappointed the surviving horse has to be destroyed, but the State Government has no choice. (ABC News)
The owner of a Brisbane vet practice at the centre of an outbreak of Hendra virus say he supports a Queensland Government move to destroy a horse that recovered from the disease.
Gold Coast breeder Warren Small has been given until 5pm AEST today to destroy his racehorse 'Tamworth', which he says is worth $200,000.
The horse is stabled at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic on Brisbane's bayside, where four other horses died.
Two staff from the practice remain in hospital being treated for the virus.
A final round of blood tests has today cleared 12 staff at the clinic of the potentially deadly virus.
Queensland Health says there will not be any further human tests for the virus.
Clinic owner Dr David Lovell says he is disappointed the surviving horse has to be destroyed, but he says the State Government has no choice.
"You've only got to be an employer and have two of your staff in the position that ours are to just have to endorse any procedures that are likely to prevent something like that from happening ever again, so they've just got to be realistic about it all," he said.
Euthanise order
The Queensland Government says if Mr Small does not put the animal down today, it will send staff out to euthanise the animal.
Mr Small has sought legal advice to fight the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) order to euthanise his horse.
"They need to be accountable and I'm going to make them accountable one way or another," he said.
Mr Small is angry because the animal has been cleared of the virus.
However, Biosecurity Queensland chief vet Dr Ron Glanville says keeping the horse alive is not an option.
"Based on medical advice, that it was too big a risk for people that would be looking after the horse," he said.
Dr Glanville says if the owner does not destroy the horse today, the Government will.
"An inspector will be directed to carry out the order on Friday," Dr Glanville said.
