Isolation key factor in keeping horse flu out of western NSW

The National Management Group overseeing the control of equine influenza says there are positive signs its measures are working.

While eradication continues to require strict biosecurity measures in the east of the state, the president of the Australian Horse Industry Council, Dr Barry Smyth, says the restriction of the disease in certain places has allowed a more free approach in areas like the far west of New South Wales.

Dr Smyth says isolation was a key factor in keeping the horse flu out of western regions.

"Very early on the movement restrictions were put in so that contained the disease to the eastern side there of NSW," he said.

"The other reason probably is that out your way there's much lower horse density."