Published Wednesday, 05 September, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
HORSE EVENTS ALLOWED UNDER STRICT CONDITIONS
Some horse events will be allowed under strict conditions in Queensland from today.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said this was a small, but important step on the long path towards recovery from Equine Influenza.
“While the threat from Equine Influenza continues, we must continue to have very tough restrictions on horse movements and enforce those restrictions,” Mr Mulherin said.
“But it will now be possible for some horse events to be held under strict conditions and with the approval of the chief inspector of stock.
“The chief inspector of stock will need to be fully convinced that there are sufficient controls in place to prevent the spread of equine influenza.”
The movement of horses without a permit is still illegal in Queensland. Approved horse events will only feature horses that are already in the event precinct as they cannot be transported.
There is also still a ban on horses crossing state borders, Mr Mulherin said.
The Queensland Government is working in partnership with all of the various horse sectors in the response to equine influenza.
The move to allow some horse events has been endorsed by the State Disaster Management Group.
Mr Mulherin said the Government appreciated the supportive response to the horse flu response restrictions from the affected industries and the public.
The situation with Queensland Racing, which will resume racing today at the Gold Coast, reflects what can be allowed under strict conditions.
The Gold Coast meeting is restricted to approved horses from the Gold Coast precinct only. All horses will walk to the event from the precinct area. No floating of horses to the event is allowed. In addition, there will be no spectators at the event.
“We will get through the outbreak much faster and easier if everyone continues to cooperate,” Mr Mulherin said.
Media: 32396530
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said this was a small, but important step on the long path towards recovery from Equine Influenza.
“While the threat from Equine Influenza continues, we must continue to have very tough restrictions on horse movements and enforce those restrictions,” Mr Mulherin said.
“But it will now be possible for some horse events to be held under strict conditions and with the approval of the chief inspector of stock.
“The chief inspector of stock will need to be fully convinced that there are sufficient controls in place to prevent the spread of equine influenza.”
The movement of horses without a permit is still illegal in Queensland. Approved horse events will only feature horses that are already in the event precinct as they cannot be transported.
There is also still a ban on horses crossing state borders, Mr Mulherin said.
The Queensland Government is working in partnership with all of the various horse sectors in the response to equine influenza.
The move to allow some horse events has been endorsed by the State Disaster Management Group.
Mr Mulherin said the Government appreciated the supportive response to the horse flu response restrictions from the affected industries and the public.
The situation with Queensland Racing, which will resume racing today at the Gold Coast, reflects what can be allowed under strict conditions.
The Gold Coast meeting is restricted to approved horses from the Gold Coast precinct only. All horses will walk to the event from the precinct area. No floating of horses to the event is allowed. In addition, there will be no spectators at the event.
“We will get through the outbreak much faster and easier if everyone continues to cooperate,” Mr Mulherin said.
Media: 32396530