Qld ends horse flu 'red zones'

Queensland has moved a step closer to becoming free of horse flu with the end of the "red zone" from Wednesday.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said that with no confirmed equine influenza properties in Queensland, from Wednesday the amber zone would become white and the red zone would become amber.
"While there will remain some restrictions, we are continuing full steam ahead towards being declared EI free," Mr Mulherin said in a statement.
The red zone's reclassification as amber means that horses can move freely on hoof and can be transported with just a waybill within the amber zone.
However, a permit and waybill will be necessary for horses to move outside the zone or interstate, and specific isolation and testing requirements may apply depending on individual horse status.
The amber zone's move to white will see it joined with the rest of the state.
Within the white zone horses can move freely on hoof and can be transported with only a waybill.
It will also be easier to move horses from this area into white zones in other states, but waybills and travel documentation are still required.
Queensland's chief vet Dr Ron Glanville said the zone changes were a move further towards the goal of being EI free by June 30.
"There have been no new cases of infection confirmed since Christmas Day, and there are now no EI infected properties in Queensland," he said.
"However, people need to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions."
Precise details of the zones are available from the Department of Primary Industries.