Authorities investigate 10 sudden mysterious equine deaths within weeks

Library image

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Australian authorities are working with vets to investigate multiple sudden equine deaths on separate premises this month.

Since 4 July, 10 horses’ deaths have been confirmed, on separate properties, on the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, and Victoria. The state’s chief veterinary officer Graeme Cook said an investigation is under way.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

TOPICS

Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

Authorities investigate 10 sudden mysterious equine deaths within weeks

“The investigation is in the early stages. It is not yet known what has caused these deaths and to date common links are not evident,” Dr Cooke said.

It is understood that all the horses died quickly after “short-term non-specific signs of illness”.

“While we do not yet have any clear indication of the cause, early testing for some known diseases in horses has been negative,” Dr Cooke said.

“Comprehensive testing for a range of disease, and importantly, non-disease causes, is under way. I thank those owners and veterinarians who have been affected for their assistance in providing information to date.”

A spokesman for Agriculture Victoria said owners should monitor horses and report any illness or deaths to their vets, Agriculture Victoria or the emergency animal disease hotline, 1800 675 888.

“As this is early days, every report will help us understand the situation and assist our investigation into finding the cause. Early assessment and collection of a range of samples is important to this type of investigation,” Dr Cooke said.

The Agriculture Victoria spokesman added that multiple horse deaths on a single property are uncommon but when they do occur, “investigations prioritise infectious causes and ingestion of toxins, however it is not always possible to definitively identify a cause”.

You might also be interested in:

Heartbroken owners’ quest for answers after mysterious deaths of three horses in 36 hours

Australian racing ban is a ‘salutary reminder’ to the equestrian industry