EI probe targets mystery coughing horse

The hunt for a coughing horse that attended a New South Wales Hunter Valley equestrian event just before the equine influenza (EI) outbreak has intensified.
The flu outbreak has been blamed on a breakdown at Sydney's quarantine station, but the Carrolls Ranch equestrian event near Maitland, in August, is a considered a crucial link to its spread into the wider horse population.
Several competitors have told the inquiry they heard and saw a horse coughing at the competition.
Yesterday, counsel representing the state of NSW, John Agius SC, said: "It's now likely the person who had a coughing horse at Maitland recognises that their animal is of some significance, but they may be afraid to come forward."
The inquiry commissioner, retired High Court judge Ian Callinan, said he would be prepared to consider allowing the owner of the horse to remain anonymous, to encourage them to come forward.