Vaccinations urged for horses in EI 'purple zone'

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries is urging the owners of horses in the equine influenza (EI) 'purple zone' to ensure their horses have a first round vaccination before February 3.
Purple zones are areas with a high level of EI infections, and currently cover parts of Helensburgh, Picton, and Wilton.
The department's deputy chief veterinary officer, Graham Eggelston, says that after February 3, unvaccinated horses will not be able to travel without a letter of permission.
Mr Eggelston says it is vital that horse are vaccinated before the cut-off date so second round vaccinations can begin.
"It's just that it upsets the vaccination program and it upsets our time lines for trying to get the state back to the 'green zone' if you like to call it, by the middle of March. So that's the key reason for it," he said.