Famous horse 'Izzy' dies after contracting mosquito-borne virus

• Victor Harbor’s beloved horse Izzy euthanised 
• The Clydesdale contracted Ross River virus 
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A famous Clydesdale known for pulling a horse-drawn tram at a tourist hotspot in South Australia has died from a mosquito-borne virus.

Beloved horse Isabella (Izzy) was known by locals in the coastal town of Victor Harbor, about 84km south of Adelaide, as the ‘Queen of the Horse Trams’.

Sadly, Izzy was euthanised on Monday after catching the mosquito-born Ross River virus sometime in March.

Victor Harbor Horse-Drawn Trams (VHDT) said the team was ‘devastated’ by the passing of their ‘much-loved horse’.

VHDT explained Izzy tested positive for the virus and had a high temperature before developing more severe symptoms including loss of appetite and neurological decline.

Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram’s Clydesdale Isabella ‘Izzy’ (pictured) was euthanised after contracting the mosquito-born Ross River virus

Izzy was taken to MT Torrens where she received specialist, intensive veterinary care but her health continued to decline.

‘The discovery of colic led to the difficult veterinary decision to euthanise Isabella and put an end to her pain,’ the statement read.

The team at VHDT described Izzy as a ‘gentle soul’ that loved the attention of visitors and locals alike.

‘Isabella (or Izzy) was often referred to as the “Queen of the Horse Tram”,’ the statement read.

‘She was a kind, brave and gentle soul, and was easily recognisable by her dark, long, platted forelock.

‘When pulling the Horse Tram, she exuded an impressive energy which many could only describe as her ‘strutting her stuff’.

‘Isabella loved to be pampered and enjoyed soaking up attention from visitors.

‘Her passing is being felt greatly by the Horse Tram Team, as well as the wider community.’

Izzy was famous with visitors and locals at Victor Harbor. She was described as the ‘Queen of the Horse Tram’ and loved to strut her stuff down the causeway (pictured)

Locals shared their sympathies with the team, with many expressing how much Izzy would be missed.

‘RIP Izzy … thank you for your enthusiastic contributions (strutting your stuff) to such a wonderful service to our community and visitors. We will miss you,’ one person commented.

‘Izzy was certainly “Queen of the Horse Tram”. She was always willing to work and practically danced down the causeway. Going to miss you,’ another person wrote.

A third chimed: ‘So very sad to hear this news. Izzy was such a beautiful lady who was loved by all. Will miss you on the tram. RIP.’

Seven other horses also tested positive for the Ross River virus but all have improved in condition and are expected to make a full recovery.

The horses are not operating the Horse Tram while they recover from the virus and work to rebuild their muscle strength and fitness.

While the horses recover, the popular tourist attraction will operate on a reduced timetable with limited runs on Thursday before closing on Friday for horse respite.

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