DPI&F Biosecurity Queensland

Equine Influenza Update

Update No. 26, Friday 14 December 2007

Changes to zones and movement conditions now in place

Major changes to movement restrictions were announced last Friday 7 December 2007 and are now in place throughout Queensland.

It's important that you find out which zone you're in, and how these changes will affect you - especially if you intend to move any horses. Strict conditions still apply in large parts of south east Queensland and the risk of disease spread still remains.

The DPI&F website www.dpi.qld.gov.au provides a lot more detail about the new changes, many of which are specific to certain areas and circumstances; however as a guide, some of the major changes to movement conditions include:

• Horse owners in the Red Zone still need a permit to move their horse, but may notice some changes to the criteria for permit applications which may make it easier for some people to receive one.
• Some areas including Maroochy Shire, Dalby and Stanthorpe are out of the red and now classified as being in a new 'Amber Zone'.
• Horses in the Amber Zone can move freely within that zone. They must be accompanied by a waybill unless being walked or ridden.
• Horse owners in the Amber Zone need a permit to move to other zones and special conditions will apply.
• Some areas previously classed as Red Zone now join the Green Zone, which means horse owners can ride and transport their horse freely as long as they have a waybill.
• Events will be able to be held in the Amber Zone and may be able to be held in the Red Zone under strict conditions. However all events need to be approved by DPI&F, with approvals based on risk. For competitions in the Red and Amber Zones all interzone/interstate competitors will require a movement permit to attend.

An announcement regarding further relaxation of conditions within the Red Zone is expected early in the New Year.

Read more about new movement conditions

What hasn't changed?

The announcement of Friday 7 December of the new zones saw lots of changes for Queensland horse owners. There are however, still a number of critical things that haven't changed:

• Decontamination is still very important and essential in stopping the spread of Equine Influenza.
• You still need to report cases of EI to DPI&F. This is now even more important in order to track infection as we get fewer and fewer cases.
• If you have horses, it is still compulsory to register your property with DPI&F
• You can still apply for vaccination online www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
• Financial assistance is still available and EI Community Resource Centres are still open throughout the red zone.

Got a question about the new zones?

The DPI&F website includes frequently asked questions about the new zones and are a good start for anyone with queries about movements and new conditions. For more information, call DPI&F 13 25 23.

Read the FAQs.

What's new this week?

Fewer IPs
The amount of virus being shed now is dramatically less than in previous weeks, with very few new infected premises this week. The number of vaccinated horses is also increasing.

Movement permits over Christmas and New Year
Owners who are considering moving their horses over the Christmas and New Year break, including the first week of January, should consider applying for a movement permit before the traditional Christmas break commences, as there will be limited capacity to process applications over this period. Except for medical emergencies, no permits will be issues on Christmas, Boxing and New Years Day.

Surveillance at zones
Biosecurity Queensland staff are working with Queensland Transport to conduct monitoring of horse movements to ensure people are sticking to the movement conditions over the festive season.

While every care has been taken in preparing this eNewsletter, the State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained in this eNewsletter.