Horse import crackdown urged

The head of the inquiry into Australia's costly equine influenza outbreak has signalled the need for major changes to the management of horse importation.

Commissioner Ian Callinan's draft document says Sydney Airport needs a special facility for holding suspected infected horses.

He may recommend that all horse imports into Melbourne's Tullamarine airport be stopped unless a proper facility is built there for the transfer of live animals.

He has listed numerous suggestions for upgrades to quarantine facilities at Eastern Creek in New South Wales and Spotswood in Victoria.

The recommendations would include much tighter rules for access to infected horses and major changes to the Government's management of quarantine.

That may include the appointment of an inspector-general and a lead quarantine veterinarian.

The inquiry will take submissions in reply over the next month.