UPDATE FOR CLUBS FROM NSW DPI RE. EI & MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS

11th January 2008

The following information is from staff at the DPI who answered questions by conference call at a Board Meeting on the 11th January 2008.

DPI: Cathie Drury-Klein, Barry Kane

Q1: What are rules for horses from Green Zone traveling into Purple Zone?
A: The current policy is only approved vaccinated horses may go into the Purple Zone. To move out they must be vaccinated and must go through 14 days of quarantine plus testing, then another Green approved quarantine centre for 7 days. We are allowing private properties to become quarantine areas, eg Ellerston. Near Richmond Pip Guthrie’s place at Yarramundi may become one.

Q2. Currently there are free vaccinations for those in the Purple Zone until 3rd February 2008. What happens after this date?
A: After 3rd February horses can still be vaccinated if they are a special case. This will last for an extra month approx. We hope people have been coming to clinics and encourage anyone who has not so far to contact the DPI to get the free vaccination.

Q3: What is the vaccination program for hoses that have had the disease?
A: It is not necessary for horses that have had to EI to be vaccinated. If a horse has had EI & must travel outside of the Purple Zone, owners must get their horses blood tested to prove immunity and micro-chipped then get a horse health certificate.

Q4: Are events/polo tournaments to be registered & how is that done?
A: YES, all events must be registered online, listing the organizer details, venue, approx number of horses. The Event Organiser will also need to register the Travelling Horse Statement (THS) of every horse attending & fax this back to the DPI.
NOTE: for NSW POLO, this will be the responsibility of each Club/Tournament Organiser.
Event information and registration: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza/movements/permits/horse-events

Q5: Can horses move from Purple to Green Zone? (which will affect Country Classic Series)
A: Yes, but must have a Horse Health Certificate. It must go through quarantine.

Q6: From 14th January any horse moving within the Purple Zone requires a Travelling Horse Statement (THS). How long is this likely to continue for?
A: We hope just until June, but cannot say for definite. THS information and application: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza/movements/permits/travelling-horse-statement-purple

Q7. What about Amber Zone – around Southern Highlands?
A: It is hoped by early March these will be reclassified to the Green Zone.

Within the Green Zone, horses can move freely. DPI is hoping by April to increase the Green Zone, whilst shrinking the Purple Zone. Their focus is still on stamping out the disease, balancing industry/leisure horses. There has not been a new case reported since early December in NSW.

Q8: Currently in the Green Zone you can only get a vaccine if your horses are going to a specific event. When will this be relaxed?
A: The DPI has released the vaccine to many people. Professional polo players have qualified for this.

Q9: What restrictions are there for horses traveling from the Red Zone to Purple?
A: Quarantine & vaccination is necessary as they move through the Green Zone – 3 days on QLD border. No more quarantine is necessary when they arrive in Sydney.

Q10. How do Interstate Horses from Green Zone, eg SA & VIC move to Purple?
Have to come into NSW to be vaccinated and go into quarantine within the Green Zone before they enter any other zone.

END.