EI detected on northern NSW property

November 5, 2007 - 7:50PM

Equine influenza (EI) has been detected on a property in northern NSW, prompting its lockdown.

NSW deputy chief veterinary officer Ian Roth said several horses on one property just south of Walcha had the virus.

Investigations had started into the source of the infection, which had most likely been transferred by human contact, he said.

He said planning was now underway to start vaccinating horses in a buffer zone around the property in a bid to stop the virus spreading.

"The property was placed in quarantine and samples taken from horses last week after clinical signs of EI developed," he said in a statement tonight.
"EI infection was confirmed yesterday.

"A ten-kilometre restricted area, or red zone, has been placed around the property to further tighten movement restrictions and biosecurity requirements."

Meanwhile, horse owners whose animals are due for a second vaccination are being reminded they will be contacted about the shot by their local vaccination centre.

Mr Roth has asked owners to wait until they are contacted rather than calling themselves.

He said it could be up to six weeks between EI shots.