SA horse restrictions eased

The South Australian Government has eased restrictions on horse flu biosecurity from today in an effort to get the industry back on its feet.

Events with 10 or more horses will no longer need a permit and can simply be registered with the Department of Primary Industries and Resources (PIRSA).
Strict quarantine measures will also be lifted for most horses travelling into SA from New South Wales and Queensland, with a permit system replacing screening tests.
PIRSA chief veterinary officer Rob Rahaley says itwill help reduce red tape for show organisers.
"With the containment and eradication of the disease interstate, it's important for us to get the industry in South Australia back operating as close to normal as possible," he said.
"We can't totally let our guard down, but we've certainly eased restrictions on the industry to allow them to get up and running."
The secretary of the Yorke Peninsula Shows Association, Max Smart, says the changes will help bring the spark back into a lot of country shows.
"Without the horse in action section well it certainly impacts on the show," he said.
"It's been an inconvenience as far as the industry is concerned and a lot of people I know it's made them wonder about keeping horses and that kind of thing, so definitely they'll definitely be welcome for sure," he said.