Movement restrictions apply, even after EI jab

NSW Department of Primary Industries is reminding horse owners that they must observe current equine influenza (EI) movement restrictions, even if their horses have been vaccinated for the horse flu virus.

"We have had reports of potentially misleading horse sale advertisements saying ‘vaccinated for EI and ready to move’," NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Bruce Christie, said.

"Vaccinated horses must meet the movement restriction for the zone they are in and generally can’t be moved just because they have been vaccinated.
"While vaccinations will slow the spread of the disease, owners need to be aware it’s not a silver bullet and is not 100% effective on all horses."

Mr Christie said the horse flu vaccine is an important part of the strategy to contain EI, but should never be seen as a solution to all the problems the disease has created.

"Therefore, we are relying on all horse owners to protect their industry by complying with the relevant movement restrictions," he said.

Mr Christie said horse flu zones were introduced to provide greater flexibility across NSW and, like personal hygiene and biosecurity, are crucial to the success of the campaign.

"Under the EI Protection Plan, movement restrictions vary according to the level of EI infection found in each area," he said.

"Very limited movements are allowed under permit in the Red Zone and a similar situation exists in the Amber Zone where people have to apply for permits from their Rural Lands Protection Board."

Horses can move freely within a Purple Zone but they can not move outside the zone.

Horses vaccinated in buffer zones cannot move until at least seven days after their second vaccination. Horses vaccinated as part of the purple zone vaccination are asked not to move their horse until at least a week after the second vaccination.

Meanwhile, free movement of horses is allowed in the Green Zone, which is disease-free, provided a Travelling Horse Statement is completed and carried at all times.

Police across the State are patrolling the roads and conducting compliance checks on people transporting horses. Harsh penalties apply, with fines of up to $44,000 for anyone found to be breaching the movement restrictions.