Horse flu headed for eradication

THE equine flu epidemic should be eliminated altogether in Australia in 2008, according to federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke.
The flu outbreak, which began in August and brought the racing industry to its knees, has now been contained, and some interstate horse movement has begun.
Over the coming months all restrictions on horse movement are likely to be lifted.
Mr Burke said yesterday he was hopeful that the steps taken to date would eliminate the threat of equine flu altogether next year.
"I am pleased to say that we are on track to have equine influenza eradicated in 2008," Mr Burke said yesterday.
"Leading up to eradication, we will be able to increase green zones, which will allow horse owners to get back to some normality.
"However, during this holiday period it is vital that people still need to observe all relevant biosecurity measures if they come in contact with horses."
The Federal Government has sent out more than two million "eradicate in 2008" postcards to alert people in rural areas and in places where there is a high concentration of horses about action they can take to contain the flu, which had never existed in Australia before.