NSW zones changed

SYDNEY - Eight regions have been scaled back from red to amber by the NSW Department of Primary Industries as the state moves closer to eradicating Equine Influenza.

"This is another step towards having NSW horse flu free by the end of March," NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said.

"There are currently infected horses on less than 50 properties in NSW and no new EI infections have been detected since 21 December. These are certainly hopeful signs.

The following districts have been reclassified to Amber Zones: Dubbo, Wellington, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Parkes, Forbes, Walcha and parts of the Grenfell district.

"These areas are now part of the lower risk amber zone where there is still a risk of infection, but no known infection," Macdonald said.

'''"The green zone has also been marginally increased by less than one per cent of NSW to free up movement restrictions for some horses previously in the amber zone.

"Extending the green zone has enabled movement restrictions to be eased in some areas near Dubbo, Wellington, Young, Southern Highlands, Illawarra and along the Queensland border.'''

"A total of 86% of NSW is now protected green zone, nine percent is amber, two percent is red and three percent purple."

Full details on changes to all zone boundaries are available at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza