NSW finally claims victory over EI

NSW was declared equine influenza-free on Thursday.

The NSW Government's Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, made the announcement in regard to the virus that shut racing down last year.
"I can say today that not one horse in NSW is now known to have equine influenza," Macdonald said.
"The fact that not one property has tested positive to EI since December 21 shows the success of the government's containment and vaccination strategy and the massive effort of the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
"In November, at the height of EI, more than 41,000 horses were infected on more than 5800 properties.
"The government has spent more than $46 million containing this exotic disease - after it escaped Howard Government quarantine at Eastern Creek - more than 100,000 horses have since been vaccinated.
"EI caused great hardship to our thoroughbred and equestrian riding sectors and their associated industries. Today is a tribute both to the people who have been directly engaged in the battle against EI and the horse industries and the thousands of horse owners across the state whose vigilance, discipline and co-operation have been critical to stopping the spread of the virus.
"It also demonstrates that NSW has the skills and capacity to deal with a major exotic animal disease."