Vets didn't suspect EI at Eastern Creek

Veterinarians attending horses at Eastern Creek had no experience with equine influenza (EI) and little reason to suspect it was present at the quarantine station, the inquiry into the outbreak has been told.

Dr Greg Nash, a partner in the Randwick Equine Centre (REC) which was contracted to look after imported stallions from Darley Stud, said high temperatures and nasal discharge did not immediately alert him to EI which until August had never been present in Australia.

All horses imported must also have been vaccinated against the disease which is endemic in most other countries with large commercial horse populations.

"The barriers for quarantine are established outside Australia," Dr Nash said.

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