Time to ease on-farm EI biosecurity for essential services

Now that concerns about the spread of equine influenza (EI) have eased, horse owners who quarantined their properties have been urged to relax their restrictions for utility crews.
NSW deputy chief veterinary officer Graeme Eggleston applauded organisations such as Country Energy and councils for co-operating with the control and eradication campaign during the height of the outbreak.
"Some organisations voluntarily postponed meter reading, power line inspections and maintenance in order to prevent the spread of EI and this is greatly appreciated," Mr Eggleston said.
"With EI rapidly burning out utility crews can once again be safely allowed on most properties, provided they stay clear of horses and continue to follow biosecurity guidelines.
"The last thing we would want to see is public safely jeopardised by crews not being allowed to carry out vital maintenance.
"Until we can confirm NSW free of EI, I urge horse owners to continue with their biosecurity, but to use a common-sense approach by allowing entry to essential services."

NSW EI contacts
Hotline: 1800 675 888
Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza