It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Dr Alister Rodgers as a result of a Hendra Virus (HeV) infection.

The Queensland Horse Council Inc. would like to express its sincerest condolences to Dr Rodgers' family, friends and colleagues.

We are all devastated by Dr Rodgers' passing, our vets are often our family, friends or colleagues, as they work closely with us and assist us in our hours of need. We are sincerely disturbed when they come to harm as a result of treating our horses.

Dr Rodgers is the seventh person known to have contracted HeV, and the fourth to die as a result. HeV is passed from certain species of flying foxes, to horses and can be transferred from infected horses to humans whilst they are being cared for, treated and handled, including conducting a post mortem.

All horse owners in Queensland need to be resolute in supporting all efforts to find a solution to the Hendra Virus.