Mystery as horses drop dead

Authorities have launched an investigation after the deaths of multiple horses were recorded across metropolitan and regional Melbourne since the beginning of the month.

Agriculture Victoria said there had been ten horse deaths across three separate properties since July 4, with the properties on the Mornington Peninsula, south west Victoria and south east Melbourne respectively.

Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said early testing for known diseases had returned a negative result.

“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.

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

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

The horses are understood to have died quickly with no specific signs of illness.

Earlier this week Nia Clarke, who owns thoroughbreds in the south east Melbourne suburb of Narre Warren, told Melbourne radio station 3AW that she had lost two horses.

“It was sudden onset, there were no clinical signs to begin with, they just went down in a rapid hurry,” she said.

‘They just look a little bit off colour, you sort of don’t pick it.”

“We don’t know what’s wrong - we’re treating symptoms.”

Ms Clarke said a further three horses were seriously unwell, but the illness was “not transferring among horses”.