Less than two weeks after Queensland's equine influenza crisis was officially declared over, authorities are dealing with another potential virus outbreak that has killed two horses at a vet clinic east of Brisbane.

The Redcliffe Vet Clinic has been quarantined after laboratory tests last night confirmed three horses from the practice were infected with the rare Hendra virus.

The disease was first identified in 1994 following the death of a Brisbane horse trainer and 16 of his horses, however authorities insist horse-to-human infection is rare.

One horse at the bayside clinic has died, another was euthanized yesterday and a third is recovering from the virus.

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said staff from Biosecurity Queensland were working with the practice to determine how the infection occurred.

"We are taking the situation seriously with biosecurity inspectors moving quickly to quarantine the practice and establish thorough disinfection procedures to ensure the area is fully contained," Mr Mulherin said.

Residents at neighbouring properties had also been advised of the outbreak.

Biosecurity Queensland chief veterinary officer Ron Glanville said the case was unusual because the horses had not showed symptoms consistent with previous Hendra cases.

Authorities will today test 37 other horses which were kept at the practice.

Queensland Health is contacting people who have recently come into contact with the sick horses as a precaution.

The Hendra virus was named after the Brisbane suburb in which it was discovered.