Quarantine order extended in Dubbo

The City Of Dubbo Turf Club and racing in the Central West was dealt a significant blow yesterday when the Club received notice that it is now under a further 50 day quarantine order commencing from November 13^th.

Earlier in the week the Club received a revocation of the quarantine order previously in place from the Department of Primary Industries and was preparing to reopen the gates at the race course at the end of the week however the latest notice has put an end to those plans.
“Apparently there are still a couple of horses on course shedding the virus despite having contracted it some time ago hence the decision of the DPI to enforce a further 50 day quarantine order” said Secretary Manager Troy Harley.
“We are in consultation with the DPI regarding the order in an attempt to have it revoked once these horses test clear to the shedding however early indications are that the venue will be quarantined now for at least a further 28 days”.
The quarantine order is a significant blow to not only the Club but also racing in the region as the Dubbo race course is a major regional training centre with an average of 100 horses in work at any time and these horse, particularly those not stabled on course, will be set back a further month from commencing serious training.Harley added “It is disappointing that we could get so close to normality only to have to shut the gates again for at least another month. It seems a little ridiculous but then again a fair bit of what has happened since the outbreak started can be described in that fashion”.

By: Dubbo - Friday, 23 November 2007