Grooms signed but 'didn't read EI docs'

Jet-lagged grooms signed documents on arrival at Sydney's Eastern Creek quarantine station without reading them, the inquiry into equine influenza (EI) heard.

James Carey, a senior groom who accompanied a consignment of stallions from Coolmore in Ireland on August 8, said delays in the flight had resulted in a trip of around 40 hours and all he wanted to do was get the horses settled and get to bed.

He also said a log book grooms were supposed to sign every time they left and re-entered the station, which is administered by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) was not always used because it could not always be located.

"I recall meeting (station manager) Greg Hankins and signing papers before being given a swipe card and gate key," Carey said.

"After a 40 or 50-hour trip from Ireland, we had problems with the flight and I was very badly jet-lagged, at that point, the best thing you want to do at that time of night is get settled as quickly as possible.

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