Vic invests to keep state horse flu-free

The Victorian government will inject a further $1.94 million to help keep the state free of equine influenza (EI). Premier John Brumby announced that Victorian non-racing horse owners would be supported after missing out on EI federal funding.
"This new funding will allow us to meet short and long-term priority objectives which have been identified and requested, in consultation with the industry," Mr Brumby said.
He said the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) would administer the funding.
$2.4 million has been invested into protecting Victoria from EI.
"I thank every Victorian horse owner for cooperating with existing border controls and implementing biosecurity measures," he said.
"The Government is very aware of the impact the voluntary cancellation of events has had on non-profit clubs and associations when the competition season was just getting underway.
"I'm confident that this additional funding will help Victorians meet any challenges that lie ahead."
The repatriation of 46 recreational horses, stranded in New South Wales and Queensland since the EI outbreak, occurred this week.
"DPI has worked within the new nationally agreed protocols to assist owners in returning their horses from disease-free Green Zones and a significant slice of the funding will be set aside to subsidise this project," Mr Brumby said.
"While the number of horse flu cases reported from interstate is abating, there is still a risk of the disease entering Victoria and it is vitally important that horse owners remain vigilant to keep Victoria EI free."
Meanwhile, Victoria's chief vet Hugh Miller said moving horses from New South Wales and across the Victoria border was prohibited.
Horses must be moved legally to Victorian areas.
"The disease eradication efforts are progressing really well," Dr Miller told the Nine Network.
"And for Victoria that means the threat is reducing all the time but we need to keep our vigilance."