Horse Flu - Permit system to bring horses into SA

Wednesday 19 September 2007

People wanting to bring horses into SA from Victoria, WA, NT or Tasmania may be able to get permits for travel but horses from New South Wales and Queensland remain banned due to the continuing efforts to manage horse flu in those states.

South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley said that this was an important step in recovering from the horse flu outbreak and would help those people whose equestrian business activities involved regular border crossings.

“I am keenly aware that many people along the South Australian/Victorian border have suffered due to the movement restrictions put in place to ensure that SA remains free of horse flu,” he said.

“Victoria has stepped up security at its NSW border and, like South Australia, is free of horse flu. So, given that situation, I believe allowing movements under permit is a manageable risk but we remain on high alert.”

Movements of horses, floats and horse equipment from New South Wales and Queensland without a permit remain banned until further notice.

Dr Rahaley said people in South Australia wanting to move horses would need to apply for a permit and obtain a veterinary certificate validating the health of the animal.

“Horses staying longer than 24 hours in Victoria will also need a new health certificate to return under permit to SA.

“Horses returning within 24 hours (travelling to and from single events, such as race meetings) will not need another health certificate.”

Dr Rahaley said that he was pleased with the way SA horse owners had complied with the movement bans and in cancelling their events.

“Cancelling events and restricting movements has been difficult but it has been necessary to do this - if horse flu was found in this state the impacts would be devastating and would last for many months,” he said.

“We are currently reviewing the situation and hope to provide people with updated information in a week about what they may or may not be able to do between October and the end of the year.”

People wanting more information about horse flu and equestrian activities in SA can contact:

  • Their equestrian clubs and associations
  • Horse SA 0402 488 306
  • PIRSA website – www.pir.sa.gov.au