Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance said today that Western Australia was set to allow the movement of horses from States that are free of equine influenza (EI) under strict conditions.
The lifting of the ban is consistent with the provisions of the national management of EI endorsed by the Consultation Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD).
(Media-Newswire.com) - Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance said today that Western Australia was set to allow the movement of horses from States that are free of equine influenza ( EI ) under strict conditions.
The lifting of the ban is consistent with the provisions of the national management of EI endorsed by the Consultation Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases ( CCEAD ).
Mr Chance said horses from the non-infected States of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory would be permitted entry into WA, as long as they met the entry conditions.
He said horses from New South Wales and Queensland, where equine influenza had been detected, were not permitted.
“Horses from non-infected States will now be allowed into Western Australia under permit from the Department of Agriculture and Food,” he said.
“They will need to meet a number of criteria before leaving their state of origin, including an application for entry to WA and relevant permits, a period of isolation from any other horses and a veterinary inspection prior to loading for transport.
“Horses will also need to meet several criteria on arrival in Western Australia, including an additional period of isolation of seven days and veterinary checks.”
The Minister said reproductive material, including semen, would be allowed into WA from non-infected States but was prohibited from the restricted zones in New South Wales and Queensland where equine influenza had been confirmed or was suspected.
“A declaration by the collector of the semen is required and strict biosecurity protocols must be followed to ensure all packaging for reproductive material is cleaned and disinfected prior to being dispatched,” Mr Chance said.
“Semen poses little risk of introducing equine influenza into Western Australia.
“Horse tack is also allowed to be brought into WA from non-infected states and areas outside the restricted zones in NSW and Queensland.
“Tack must be cleaned and disinfected prior to entry and have not been in contact with any horse for a period of 48 hours prior to transport.
“Tack is prohibited from restricted zones in Queensland and New South Wales where equine influenza has been confirmed or is suspected.”
The new border restrictions for horses will be effective from Tuesday, September 25, 2007. Information on applying for permits to move horses into WA will be available from the Department of Agriculture and Food website http://www.agric.wa.gov.au.
Minister's office - 9213 6700
Related Content
Release Date
This story was released on 2007-09-24. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.