Aussie horses grounded

Thursday, 22 November 2007

SYDNEY – In what is no doubt of concern to consignors ahead of the 2008 yearling sales, the export of Australian horses to many countries is currently banned in the wake of the Equine Influenza (EI) crisis.

Australian Stud Book statistics show that Asia is the primary destination for Australian horses, accounting for 45 per cent of all exports. New Zealand accounts for 44 per cent, South Africa 7 per cent, Europe 3 per cent and the 1 per cent of exports are destined for the US.

But the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) has advised that countries including Hong Kong, France, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand the Philippines, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Dubai have all suspended exports from Australia until further notice.

Moreover, AQIS will not approve the export of horses until official advice has been received from the importing country confirming the import and from any country that the horses are transiting or transshipping through.

Protocols for export to Japan are under negotiation.

China has requested additional conditions and Biosecurity Australia is liaising with that country.

Germany will accept exports provided horses are vaccinated for EI, and Ireland has imposed additional conditions.

Horses transiting through Australia en route to New Zealand will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and exporters must supply MAFF with a contingency plan as part of their application for a transit permit.

Transits through Singapore will be considered on a case-by-case basis with additional conditions but AQIS says it has received informal advice from an exporter than trans-shipments via Singapore are not permitted.