DPI&F Biosecurity Queensland

Equine Influenza Update

Issue No. 8 - Wednesday 5 September 2007

Horse events allowed under strict conditions

New equine influenza movement restrictions have been put in place in Queensland.

For most people nothing changes - it is still illegal to move horses unless you have a permit.

However, in a small but important step on the long path to recovery from equine influenza, some horse events will now be allowed under strict conditions in Queensland from today.

Under the new arrangements, it is now possible for some horse events to be held under strict conditions and with the approval of the Chief Stock Inspector. To be approved, the Chief Stock Inspector will need to be fully convinced there are sufficient controls in place to prevent the spread of equine influenza.

Current considerations for approval of events include:

• how horses are to be moved to the event
• distance between the event and any quarantine area
• whether spectators will be present
• any other matters that the Chief Stock Inspector believes are relevant to the spread of equine influenza.

Approved horse events will only involve horses already in the event precinct as they cannot be transported. This is because the movement of horses without a permit is still illegal in Queensland.

These considerations are constantly under review.

Read more about movement restrictions in place

Movement of animal products - new arrangements

The transport of manure was allowed under the standstill provided it was directly to a disposal site. After reviewing the situation, it has been decided that manure is a low risk for the transmission of equine influenza and it is safe to allow it to be moved in Queensland, apart from quarantined properties.

Similarly, as semen is low risk for the transmission of equine influenza, it has been determined it is safe to allow it to be moved in Queensland, apart from quarantined properties.