Despite some methodological limitations, this study was able to determine the psychological impact of Australia's first outbreak of equine influenza on a substantial sample of horse owners and those involved in horse-related industry. Study findings indicated that this affected population had highly elevated levels of psychological distress and that, although prevalence of high psychological distress was greater in infected EI control zones and States, elevated levels of psychological distress were experienced in horse-owners nationally, and not just in areas where equine influenza was present. Statistical analysis indicated that certain groups were more vulnerable to high psychological distress; specifically younger people, those with no formal educational qualifications, and those whose main income was linked to a horse-related industry.