Equine influenza not present at Eastern Creek

22 July 2009
DAFF09/006D

Equine influenza has been conclusively ruled out for horses at Eastern Creek Quarantine Station that last week showed signs of respiratory disease.

Testing by the Australian Animal Health Laboratory and Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute returned negative results on samples from all 23 horses recently arrived from the US and UK.

As mentioned previously, the horses tested positive to equine herpes virus 4 which causes a mild respiratory disease similar to the common cold. This virus is already present in Australia and most other countries, and is not a disease of quarantine concern.

It should be noted that all illness appears to have resolved and there have been no further elevated temperatures or respiratory signs in the horses at the quarantine station.

The horses will remain in quarantine pending final clearances. Standard cleaning and disinfection procedures will be carried out by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to minimise the risk of herpes virus to the next consignment of stallions.

We will continue to work closely with our state counterparts as well as industry to maintain Australia’s EI-free status, particularly through our stringent vaccination and testing regime.

Dr Andy Carroll
Chief Veterinary Officer (Australia)
Delegate to the OIE (Australia)
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Further inquiries to: Media