Stockfeed supplier blames horse flu for big losses

An Upper Hunter stockfeed supplier says he has lost more than $200,000 since the equine influenza outbreak almost four months ago.
Steve Murray says while local thoroughbred studs have received grants worth $200,000, he - like many people in the non-racing sector - have only received $10,000.
He says he has had to lay off staff as orders continue to drop.
"We've had to cease employment with a couple of our staff because there's just no work around, we just haven't got the money to pay these people," he said.
"It's had a very severe impact on our business. I would image there's other businesses out there that are being very silent about [it] and they're probably being affected, if not worse then we are.
"I feel there's got to be a noise made about the whole situation and try and get some reprieve from the Government."