Fines apply for horse flu breaches

Friday 2 November, 2007

Primary Industries and Resources SA is reminding horse owners that they risk fines for transporting horses without permits and vet certificates.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rob Rahaley said he has received reports of people travelling without the required paperwork.

“We have mobile compliance units along the border with Victoria and roadblocks and they are checking vehicles,” he said.

Fines of up to $20,000 apply for non-compliance.

Requirements at a glance:

  • Currently no horses from New South Wales or Queensland are allowed into South Australia.
  • A permit is required for the entry of horses and equipment into South Australia from equine influenza free states or territories.
  • A vet certificate is required 48 hours prior to the horse being transported into South Australia.
  • The permit and vet certificate must travel with the horse at all times.
  • A permit for travel is required (but not a vet certificate) for horses travelling from equine influenza-free states/territories direct to slaughter.
  • A permit for travel is required (but not a vet certificate) for horses travelling from South Australia and into Victoria and returning within 24 hours.

Permits are available from the PIRSA website: www.pir.sa.gov.au/horseflu