South Australia relaxes biosecurity

ADELAIDE - Thoroughbred Racing South Australia has announced that, following a meeting with the state's chief veterinary officer, Dr Rob Rahaley, biosecurity protocols for thoroughbred race meetings in South Australia will be relaxed.

"They will not be removed entirely as was widely reported in various media as being the case in Victoria," TRSA chief Ian Hart said in a statement.

"We are advised by Dr Rahaley that our protocols are similar to other states. Accredited owners will now be permitted into the restricted horse area and mounting yards. For the present, the general public will remain excluded from the restricted public area."

"Whilst there is increasing confidence that the infection has been contained interstate and that eradication appears likely, I urge our trainers particularly to note that Dr Rahaley remains concerned about complacency and that the fight against EI is not over," said chief steward Graham Loch.

"Trainers should remain vigilant and continue to apply biosecurity within their own stable environments."