The NSW Department of Primary Industries has informed veterinarians around the state of a confirmed case of the deadly Hendra virus in an unvaccinated 25-year-old mare near Australia’s horse capital of Scone.

The bat-borne disease, which is deadly to humans and horses, has never been found as far south as the Hunter Valley, with a case in Kempsey in 2016 the most southerly previously recorded.

Concern: The Hunter Valley has recorded its first case of Hendra virus.

The disease was first observed in 1994 when it caused the death of Queensland trainer Vic Rail, who famously prepared champion galloper Vo Rogue, and 13 of his horses in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra.

The Scone horse developed neurological signs last Friday and was euthanased. Its owners contacted the animal disease hotline.