Red tape measure to curb equine flu

HORSE owners in Sydney, Hunter Valley and Tamworth regions will be required to fill out statements whenever they move their animals.
The move is part of the ongoing bid to stamp out equine influenza.
Acting NSW Primary Industries Minister Linda Burney said the travelling horse statements would help identify remaining horse flu pockets.
All horse owners in the "purple zone" - covering Sydney, the Hunter and an area from Tamworth to Camden - would be required to complete the paperwork before moving horses from January 14.
"Our fight against this disease is moving into the purple zone with the ultimate view of stamping the disease out of this area once and for all," Ms Burney said.
About 84 per cent of the state is now free from horse flu.
"NSW Department of Primary Industries is recording only two new infected properties per week, and it has been several weeks since a new property was detected in the Hunter Valley," Ms Burney said.
"In NSW there are 1,194 EI-infected properties, while about 5,500 have been cleared of infection.
"Veterinary teams will continue surveillance testing and investigations throughout the area to identify remaining infected properties and identify parts of the zone that are free from the disease.
"Knowing where the disease is in the purple zone means we can stop its spread through tighter movement requirements from January 14 and strategic use of vaccine."
The areas in the purple zone have suffered a high rate of EI infection and are subject to strict biosecurity controls.
A number of other new requirements will also be in place from January 14, including the registration of all horse events and quarantine of new infected properties.
AAP