Dr David Lovell said the Redlands Veterinary Clinic on Brisbane's bayside would have to close.
The Hendra virus was discovered at the clinic in June, killing vet Ben Cunneen and causing a nurse to spend weeks in hospital.
Five horses either died or had to be put down after contracting the virus, believed to have been transmitted by a flying fox.
Dr Lovell on Thursday told the Rural Press Club in Brisbane that his business, built up over 38 years, was crippled after it was found that a horse, Truly Gifted, was found to have the Hendra virus.
"You are the first to know I suspect we will not survive," Dr Lovell told the club.
"I don't believe our business, situated where it is, will survive.
"Unfortunately I think we're going to have to close, which is very disappointing."
Dr Lovell said the business was effectively closed for three months during the outbreak and quarantine period, had received much adverse publicity, was subject to complaints to the Veterinary Surgeons' Board and was likely to be subject to lawsuits.
He said the incident had destroyed his legacy and he suspected he would be forever known as "the Hendra vet" after decades earning a reputation as a top vet.
Dr Lovell said a nurse, who survived the virus, continued to suffer after spending several weeks in hospital until mid-August.
"She's having terrible psychological problems and this thing will brand and scar her for life," he said.
He praised both the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Queensland Health for their response to the crisis.
Dr Lovell said it took some time to realise the sick horses were suffering from Hendra virus because they manifested different symptoms to horses subject to earlier outbreaks.
"Hendra certainly wasn't on our list because we'd all been indoctrinated with what we believed Hendra virus would look like," Dr Lovell said.
Dr Lovell said the ability to run the business with its costs of $50,000 to $60,000 a week had been taken away.
"We could not go on to earn any money," he said.
"It was no fault of ours - a flying fox chose to land in our paddock and contact our horse and transmit the disease to the horse."
