Further easing of horse movement restrictions in south east Queensland

Some repeated horse movements by float or truck and 'on hoof' movements within local areas are now allowed in the horse flu Red Zone under special conditions.New 'On Hoof' and 'Multi-Movement by Vehicle Permits' are designed to help horse owners and businesses get back to normal operations.

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Chief Inspector of Stock Dr Allison Crook said horse owners could now walk horses off a property without a permit as long as several conditions were met.
"However, on-hoof movement of horses can only be done during daylight hours and they must be returned to the property of origin the same day," she said.
"Horses cannot be moved if they are sick, and must not be taken from or to, an infected or suspect property.
"The on-hoof movement will allow local movement of horses where, for example, an owner wants to ride to a local showgrounds or pony club grounds to exercise or train a horse."
Dr Crook said overnight or weekend stays at a destination premises were not allowed and such movements still required a DPI&F permit.
"Horses don't have to be vaccinated, microchipped or blood tested for On-Hoof movements.
Two new permit types have also been launched by the DPI&F to assist horse owners with regular normal movements between specified destinations and the home property.
The first permit is for EI susceptible horses or horses of unknown EI status, or those from resolved status property but where a valid blood test has not been completed. Owners of these horses can apply for a Multi-Movement by Vehicle Permit for movement to a single designated destination but with repeated or multi-movements by float or truck to that destination.
The second Multi-Movement Permit is for horses with a known EI status due to vaccination or positive immunity determined by blood tests results. Owners of these horses can apply for a permit for movement from the property of origin, to a maximum of four specified destinations, for repeated regular movements.
Dr Crook said both types of Multi-Movement by Vehicle Permit are for the movement of horses by float or truck within local areas of the red zone only and horses must be returned to the property of origin by midnight the same day commencing the movement," she said.
Special movement conditions are listed on the DPI&F website but these are designed for local area movements only.
Dr Crook said DPI&F inspectors will ascertain the eligibility of the nominated destinations in assessing the permit application.
"As a rough guide movement within metropolitan and fringing areas may be restricted to local suburbs or local districts. In rural areas, movements may be restricted to local districts or local shires.
"This is not a hard and fast rule and will be subject to the inspector's assessment of the application and an assessment of the biosecurity risk.
Dr Crook warned that movements from the Red into the Amber or Green Zones were generally still not allowed, however strict quarantine and event protocols are in place that may allow this to occur with the correct approvals.
DP&F Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ron Glanville said the easing of movement restrictions was an acknowledgement of progress that has been achieved with the disease eradication program.
"This has been due to the horse community's compliance with movement restrictions and good biosecurity measures since the start of the EI outbreak in August last year," he said.
"We know that this easing of movement restrictions may reveal some hidden pockets of infection in some areas."
"We have containment and suppression vaccination plans in place depending on the severity and location of any new outbreak that may result.
"DPI&F can also suspend or revoke all permits until further notice to allow vets to assess and manage any new flair up of the virus."
"It is essential that owners respond quickly if they detect signs of respiratory illness in their horses, by calling the DPI&F on 13 25 23 immediately.
"Good biosecurity and decontamination are still essential. Horse owners must not move sick horses, or allow them to come in contact with other horses."
More information about the new on-hoof and multi-movement permit system is available at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 25 23.