Red to amber – more of NSW edges towards EI freedom

NSW today edged one step closer to becoming clear of Equine Influenza (EI), with the risk zoning at eight locations scaled back from Red to Amber, Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said today.
“This is another step towards having NSW horse flu free by the end of March,” Minister 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 2007. These are certainly hopeful signs.
“The co-operation and support of horse owners has been crucial in getting to this point. They must remain vigilant and continue their efforts until we have finally won this battle.
”Only then can we reap the rewards for all the hardships endured over the last five months. It remains vital in the short term to report sick horses, enforce bio-security and abide by movement restrictions.”
As part of the Iemma Government’s EI Protection Plan Red Zones around 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,” Minister 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: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza