EI ban to eased for horses entering Vic

Victoria could ease its ban on horses entering the state without a permit as the threat of equine influenza (EI) starts to subside in NSW and Queensland.

Victoria's chief veterinary officer Dr Hugh Millar said the new arrangements to ease the movements of horses could be introduced by February 1.
"Strong evidence shows the disease is close to eradication in NSW and Queensland and with no new EI cases reported since December 21, the epidemic could be over by March 1," Dr Millar said.
The EI outbreak last year devastated the racing industry in NSW and Queensland where racing was banned for a period and had threatened to disrupt the Spring Carnival at Flemington in Victoria, including the running of the Melbourne Cup.
Dr Millar said as part of the national arrangements expected to be brought in next month, current movement restrictions would be eased to allow horse movements between disease-free "green zones" in EI-affected states and Victoria.
He said the new arrangements would assist the industry to make a swift recovery.
But surveillance measures will continue on Victoria's northern border and horses coming into the state from restricted areas will continue to be subject to strict importation and isolation arrangements.