Restrictions on horse movement eased

Movement restrictions on racehorses are being eased for those which were infected with equine influenza last year.

However, strict protocols remain in place for vaccinated horses which are deemed as potential carriers and shedders of EI.
The vaccinated horses in NSW are also due for their third inoculations and racing authorities are urging owners and trainers to ensure they are carried out.
"Horses which were infected can now travel within all zones of NSW and the ACT," Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy said.
"But the situation for vaccinated horses remains the same.
"The vaccinated horses must have their third injections in the coming weeks and we are urging people to arrange this with their own vets.
"If it is not done then the whole process of three vaccinations has to start all over again and the horses are not allowed to race until it is completed."
"The lifting of the movement bans on infected horses is another step in freeing things up a bit."
However, there will be stricter controls for non-racehorses within the purple zone from Monday with owners required to obtain a Travelling Horse Statement (THS) and all horse events must be registered with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Ian Roth, said a concentrated effort was going into restoring disease-free status in the area around Sydney, the Hunter Valley and Tamworth.
"With about 84 per cent of the state now in the green zone and no new infected properties since early December, it is clear that we are making real progress towards our goal of eradicating equine influenza from NSW," Roth said.
"The purple zone is a special restricted area where free movements were permitted due to the very high presence of the disease in the area at the beginning of the program in early September.
"Our surveillance testing and investigations indicate there is little disease left and now its time to tighten the movement restrictions so that we can identify any new outbreaks if they occur.
"These new restrictions will allow us to closely monitor movements and track any spread of the disease, so that we have the capacity to respond quickly to new infections before they go any further."
He said any new infected property will be quarantined for up to 50 days, and detailed investigation and tracing would be undertaken.