New Amber Zone means more movement for more Queensland horses

Major changes to movement restrictions come in to force today (Friday 7 December 2007) with more Queensland horse owners now able to ride and transport their horses.
One of the most significant changes is that some areas including Maroochy Shire, Dalby and Stanthorpe are out of the red, and now classified as being in a new ‘Amber Zone’.
DPI&F Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Ron Glanville encouraged all horse owners, regardless of which zone they live in, to ‘get the facts’ from the DPI&F website about the new changes before they move any horses, as strict conditions still apply in a large part of south east Queensland and risk of disease spread remains.
“To ensure we find the balance between reducing the risk of the disease spreading and helping the industry to recover, these new changes are complex – but they are good news for horse owners,” Dr Glanville said.
“The changes to movement conditions are very specific to the situation in specific areas – particularly in the Red Zone, where there is still a risk of the disease spreading.
“Please visit the DPI&F website www.dpi.qld.gov.au to find out what the changes mean to you or call 13 25 23 to ask any questions,” Dr Glanville said.
“Congratulations are in order to the thousands of horse owners and local businesses who have been so vigilant in maintaining biosecurity procedures and in slowing the spread of this highly virulent disease and stopping it from escaping the south east corner.
“It’s this commitment to holding firm during these recent tough times that have enabled these less-restrictive changes.”
Major changes to movement restrictions in place from today (7.12.07) include:
• Horse owners in the Red Zone will still need a permit to move their horse, but will notice some changes to the criteria for permit applications which may make it easier for some people to receive one.
• Horses in the Amber Zone can move freely within that zone. They must be accompanied by a waybill unless being walked or ridden..
• Horse owners in the Amber Zone will need a permit to move to other zones and special conditions will apply.
• Some areas of the Red Zone will also now join the Green Zone, which means horse owners can ride and transport their horse freely within the green zone, as long as they have a waybill.
• Events will be able to be held in the Amber Zone and may be able to be held in the Red Zone under strict conditions. However all events need to be approved by the DPI&F, with approvals based on risk.
This is the first significant zoning change since the EI outbreak started in August. If good progress with disease eradication continues the prospect of further relaxation of movement conditions is good.
An announcement regarding further relaxation of conditions within the red zone is expected early in the new year.
According to Dr Glanville, there are still a number of critical things that don’t change today including:
• Decontamination is still very important and essential in stopping the spread of Equine Influenza
• You still need to report cases of EI to DPI&F. This is now even more important in order to track infection as we get fewer and fewer cases.
• If you have horses, it is still compulsory to register your property with DPI&F
• You can still apply for vaccination online www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
• Financial assistance is still available.
A full table outlining movement restrictions for each zone, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and in depth maps showing where zones start and finish are all available on the DPI&F website.
Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.