2007 Australian equine influenza outbreak

Horse disease outbreak in Australia October 2026 September 2011 New South Wales right Location of initial outbreak, 24 August 2007 New South Wales Eastern Creek -33.79463 150.86202 white New South Wales Centennial Parklands -33.88644 151.2152 white An outbreak of equine influenza (EI) in Australia was confirmed by the Department of Primary Industries (New South Wales) on 24 August 2007 in Sydney. Also known as "horse flu" and "A1 influenza", the rapid outbreak was of the Influenza A virus strain of subtype H3N8. While the virus is highly contagious, it rarely kills adult horses but the performance of thoroughbred racing horses can be affected for several weeks. It can be fatal to young foals and debilitated horses. Because of strict quarantine procedures to reduce the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia, this was the first outbreak of equine influenza in Australia. Horses in Australia had not been exposed to the virus and, not being vaccinated, were fully susceptible.Breeds lack immunity http://www.smh.com.au/news/horseracing/breeds-lack-immunity/2007/08/26/1188066947496.html The Sydney Morning Herald 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 A combination of control measures was successful in combating the outbreak. The last new infected property was identified on 22 December 2007. The zones which had been instituted to permit and restrict movements according to risk were progressively lifted from areas of New South Wales and Queensland. Following the provisional declaration of EI-free status for New South Wales and Queensland, ongoing surveillance and tracking measures are required until the international community recognises that the disease has been eradicated from Australia. Outbreak New South Wales right Location of NSW infections by 26 August 2007 New South Wales Eastern Creek -33.79463 150.86202 white New South Wales Centennial Parklands -33.88644 151.2152 white New South Wales Parkes -32.9999629 148.2623007 white New South Wales Moonbi -31 151.06667 white New South Wales Berry -34.766667 150.7 white New South Wales Wilberforce -33.55 150.83333 white New South Wales Cattai -33.55 150.91667 white New South Wales Wyong -33.26667 151.41667 white Queensland right Location of Queensland infections by 27 August 2007 Queensland Warwick -28.21667 152.01667 white Queensland Gatton -27.44 152.28333 white New South Wales right Location of NSW infections by 29 August 2007 New South Wales Eastern Creek -33.79463 150.86202 white New South Wales Centennial Parklands -33.88644 151.2152 white New South Wales Parkes -32.9999629 148.2623007 white New South Wales Moonbi -31 151.06667 white New South Wales Berry -34.766667 150.7 white New South Wales Wilberforce -33.55 150.83333 white New South Wales Cattai -33.55 150.91667 white New South Wales Wyong -33.26667 151.41667 white New South Wales Mount Hunter -34.095601 150.660324 white New South Wales Moree -29.46667 149.85 white New South Wales Aberdeen -32.16667 150.9 white New South Wales Anambah -32.700 151.500 white Queensland right Location of Queensland infections by 30 August 2007 Queensland Warwick -28.21667 152.01667 white Queensland Gatton -27.44 152.28333 white Queensland Rosewood -27.6333 152.58333 white Queensland Brookfield -27.4833 152.8833 white Queensland Kenmore Hills -27.4833 152.8833 white Four Japanese racing stallions had arrived at Eastern Creek Quarantine Station earlier in August 2007, soon after an outbreak of EI in Japan. By Tuesday 21 August, several horses at Eastern Creek showed symptoms of a viral infection and subsequently tested positive for equine influenza. On the same day, several recreational horses at Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre also displayed symptoms of infection. There was no direct contact between horses at Eastern Creek and horses at Centennial Park and investigations are underway. thumb|left|Highway emergency message: EQUINE FLU ALERT The first case of EI in Australia was confirmed in a stallion at Eastern Creek on 24 August. The positive test resulted in the lockdown of approximately 60 horses at the Eastern Creek and Spotswood quarantine stations (in Sydney and Melbourne respectively). 16 horses at Eastern Creek and at Centennial Parklands tested positive for EI virus while another six exhibited symptoms. By the next day, there were over 80 suspected cases.http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/26/2015191.htm?section=australia https://web.archive.org/web/20080608195047/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/26/2015191.htm?section=australia dead 8 June 2008 Call for calm amid horse flu outbreak ABC News 26 August 2007 27 August 2007 All horses were isolated and a 72-hour national standstill on the movement of horses was declared. By 26 August 161 of the 165 horses at Centennial Parklands and other horses at Parkes, Moonbi, Berry, Wilberforce, Cattai and Wyong were confirmed as being infected.http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/26/2015191.htm?section=australia https://web.archive.org/web/20080608195047/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/26/2015191.htm?section=australia dead 8 June 2008 Horse flu threatens havoc Racing jobs on line if bans not lifted The Canberra Times 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 Most of the infected horses at Centennial Park were found to have been together at a One Day Event at Maitland the previous week.http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2007/s2015727.htm Horse flu investigation centres on Hunter Valley ABC AM 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 On 26 August 2007 about 300 horses were released from the Narrabri Showground where campdraft competitions were held. By 27 August, more than 400 horses on 50 properties in New South Wales had been quarantined after showing symptoms.http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1318360/1323932 Aust equine flu outbreak spreads TVNZ 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 A horse trials event at the Morgan Park Equestrian Centre near Warwick in Queensland was locked down after 20 infections were confirmed.http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2015547.htm Equine flu suspected in 50 horses in NSW, Qld ABC News 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070828095309/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2015547.htm 28 August 2007 deadhttp://www.racingandsports.com.au/racing/rsNewsArt.asp?NID=110653 More infections reported in Queensland Racing and Sports 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070912125537/http://www.racingandsports.com.au/racing/RSNewsArt.asp?NID=110653 12 September 2007 live Horses at Gatton tested positive on 27 August.http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2016732.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080608211454/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2016732.htm dead 8 June 2008 New horse flu outbreak detected in SE Qld ABC News 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 Also on 27 August, New South Wales police confirmed that six police horses had tested positive and the police stables were placed under quarantine for two months.https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSSYD21557320070828 Equine flu quarantines APEC mounted police Reuters 28 August 2007 28 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070829185858/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSSYD21557320070828 29 August 2007 live Police horses were suspected of being infected after some police riders attended the Maitland gymkhana.http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22321426-601,00.html Mounted patrols for APEC cancelled The Australian 28 August 2007 28 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070831015821/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22321426-601,00.html 31 August 2007 dead Infections were confirmed and quarantine zones established at Mount Hunter, Moree, Aberdeen and Anambah. On 29 August, a racecourse at Hamilton in Victoria went into lockdown when a horse began to exhibit signs of influenza however, the flu tests were negative.http://www.theage.com.au/news/horse-racing/flu-scare-at-vic-track/2007/08/29/1188067159013.html Flu scare at Vic racetrack The Age 29 August 2007 29 August 2007 Melbourne Ari Sharphttp://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Flu-tests-negative-on-Victorian-horse/2007/08/29/1188067157759.html Flu tests negative on Victorian horse The Age 29 August 2007 29 August 2007 Melbourne Additional quarantine zones were declared at Lake Macquarie, Terry Hie Hie, East Maitland, Warwick, Timbumburi, Eagleton (near Raymond Terrace) and some areas of Kenthurst following further positive flu tests. In Queensland, numerous detections of EI were found at an equestrian event at Morgan Park in Warwick in the Southern Downs area.The airborne nature of the virus saw multiple local properties confirmed as infected in proceeding weeks. thumb|left|Campdrafting on motorcycle instead of horse, per restrictions On 30 August, a thoroughbred racehorse at Randwick Racecourse returned a preliminary positive test for EI, although did not have any symptoms of infection. Track work was cancelled and the stables were locked down.http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/29/2018264.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080608211513/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/29/2018264.htm dead 8 June 2008 Cummings' stable locked downk ABC News 30 August 2007 30 August 2007 Tests confirmed that eight race horses in the stable had EI and the racecourse was quarantined for two months.http://www.smh.com.au/news/horseracing/flu-kills-spring-carnival/2007/08/30/1188067252974.html Flu kills spring carnival The Sydney Morning Herald 30 August 2007 30 August 2007 This brought the number of confirmed infections to 488 on 41 properties, plus another 1,646 suspected infections on 100 properties.http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/horse-flu-crisis-deepens-across-nsw Horse flu crisis deepens across NSW NSW Department of Primary Industries 30 August 2007 31 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070903120356/http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/horse-flu-crisis-deepens-across-nsw 3 September 2007 dead The first infection in Brisbane was confirmed, increasing the number of quarantine zones in Queensland to five, with direct linkages to the Morgan Park event.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-30/horse-flu-confirmed-on-brisbane-property/655272 https://web.archive.org/web/20110805071638/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-30/horse-flu-confirmed-on-brisbane-property/655272 live 5 August 2011 Horse flu confirmed on Brisbane property ABC News 30 August 2007 30 August 2007 In early November, it was announced that a new outbreak of EI occurred about 4 km mi 1 south of Walcha.https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/archives/2007/11/037.shtml Human transmission suspected in fresh EI cases horsetalk 7 November 2007 7 July 2020 By early December, the number of new cases had declined and it appeared that the outbreak had been effectively contained. On 22 December a substantial part of the New South Control one was promoted to a provisionally free status.http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/christmas-gift-for-thousands EI in retreat: Christmas gift for thousands of horse owners NSW Department of Primary Industries 22 December 2007 6 January 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20071230191519/http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/christmas-gift-for-thousands 30 December 2007 dead By mid February 2008 it was increasingly clear that the outbreak had been successfully controlled and, on 28 February, the NSW Government declared victory against EI, lifting most of the remaining movement restrictions on horses.http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/equine-influenza-conquered Equine influenza conquered NSW Department of Primary Industries 28 February 2008 31 March 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080328090125/http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/equine-influenza-conquered 28 March 2008 Cause There had been no direct contact between the horses at Eastern Creek and Centennial Parklands. Veterinary surgeons suggested the virus must have been transmitted between the two locations by human error.http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2007/s2016704.htm Tracing the equine flu trail ABC 7.30 Report 27 August 2007 28 August 2007 The NSW Government blamed the Eastern Creek quarantine station and demanded the Federal Government hold an inquiry into the "biosecurity breach".http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/28/2017664.htm NSW demands inquiry into horse flu 'breach' ABC News 29 August 2007 29 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070830183009/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/28/2017664.htm 30 August 2007 dead Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran denied any quarantine breach and said the Maitland event "seems to be where the spread of the infection occurred".http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/NSW-Canberra-differ-on-horse-flu-source/2007/08/28/1188067100971.html NSW, Canberra differ on horse flu source The Age 28 August 2007 29 August 2007 Melbourne A subsequent independent inquiry found that,In August 2007 there was an intake of 52 horses into the Eastern Creek Quarantine Station in New South Wales and 27 horses into the Spotswood Quarantine Station in Victoria. Thirteen of the horses were from Japan. They arrived at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne on 8 August. Nine of them were received into Spotswood; the remaining four were taken to Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport and from there were transported to Eastern Creek. Subsequent analyses of blood samples taken from the horses at Eastern Creek and Spotswood established that one of the four Japanese horses at Eastern Creek and seven of the Japanese horses at Spotswood had become infected with equine influenza at some stage before 13 August, when blood samples were first taken while they were in post-arrival quarantine. ... There are four 'most likely' scenarios that might explain where and how the virus escaped into the general horse population— by airborne spread from Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport; by contaminated people, equipment or vehicles associated with the arrival of the horses at that airport and their transport to Eastern Creek Quarantine Station; by airborne spread from Eastern Creek; or by contaminated people or equipment or by some other means from that Quarantine Station. Two other means suggested in evidence were cross-infection by dogs or birds or by some vector such as straw carried by a bird.Report of the Equine Influenza Inquiry https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/eiimplementation 18 June 2026The Inquiry concluded that the most likely cause was the arrival of an infected horse or horses from Japan and then that the virus escaped from Eastern Creek on the person, clothing or equipment of a groom, veterinarian, farrier or other person who had contact with an infected horse and who then left the Eastern Creek Quarantine Station without cleaning or disinfecting adequately or at all. Response and precautions A 10 km mi 0 on quarantine zone was declared around Eastern Creek Quarantine Station and the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre, where the first infections were identified, on 24 August. Quarantine zones were then placed around each new infection site. A national standstill was decided by the National Committee for Exotic Animal Disease to begin at 1pm on Saturday 25 August. Each state and territory was responsible for enacting the legal instrument within their borders. All horse movements were halted within New South Wales on 25 August, initially for 72 hours. The Control Order was made under the Exotic Diseases of Animals Act 1991 making it illegal to move horses.http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/equine-influenza-movement-restrictions Severe penalties for illegal horse movements NSW Department of Primary Industries 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070827233417/http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/equine-influenza-movement-restrictions 27 August 2007 The Australian Capital Territory, contained wholly within New South Wales, was also declared a quarantine zone with no horse movements permitted across the border. The whole of Victoria was declared a Control Area on 25 August; shortly after, movement bans within Victoria were lifted, but bans on the import of horses and equine gear into Victoria remained until 15 January 2008.http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/nrensr.nsf/LinkView/91B05D0D1F10C984CA257501001AEACD26200B8A5DC746B0CA2573A3000E1592/$file/Frontier%20Economics%20-%20Equine%20Influenza%20-%20final%20for%20release%20NOV%2008.pdf Benefits and costs related to Victorian management of Equine Influenza November 2008 8 January 2011 Victorian Department of Primary Industries Western Australia imposed a 72-hour standstill.http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/content/_abt/mr/mr250807.htm Standstill ordered on all horse movements in WA Department of Agriculture 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070829042256/http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/content/_abt/mr/mr250807.htm 29 August 2007 dead Biosecurity Queensland declared the entire state an Equine Standstill Zone from 25 August.http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=53671 Industry standstill forced by equine flu threat 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070831060229/http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=53671 31 August 2007 live with confirmed detections soon after this date from horses that moved from NSW to an equestrian event in Warwick. The Northern Territory government placed a 72-hour ban on horse movements from 27 August.http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2016621.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080608211444/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2016621.htm dead 8 June 2008 NT bans horse movement after flu outbreak ANB News 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 Sydney's Randwick Racecourse was locked down on 27 August after two horses presented with flu symptoms.Race horse flu scare http://www.theage.com.au/news/horse-racing/race-horse-flu-scare/2007/08/27/1188066984789.html The Age 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 Melbourne Federal Primary Industries Minister Senator Ian Macdonald extended the 72-hour ban on horse movement by 7 days. The New South Wales government subsequently made the ban on horse movements and race meetings indefinite.Indefinite ban on NSW horse movements http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2016632.htm ABC News 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070829131100/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2016632.htm 29 August 2007 dead Federal Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd called for an independent inquiry into the Australian quarantine system. The NSW Department of Primary Industries warned horse owners against buying EI vaccine online as the importation of vaccines is illegal.http://www.thoroughbrednews.co.nz/australia/?id=30803 NSW DPI warns against buying EI vaccine on the internet Thoroughbred News 27 August 2007 28 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070911184243/http://www.thoroughbrednews.co.nz/australia/?id=30803 11 September 2007 dead The Agricultural Societies Council banned horses from agricultural shows at Grenfell, Narromine, Barmedman, Lake Cargelligo, Finley, Manildra, Minto and Woodstock.http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/horses-banned-from-upcoming-country-shows Horses banned from upcoming country shows 28 August 2007 29 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070830202252/http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/horses-banned-from-upcoming-country-shows 30 August 2007 dead The Werribee Open Range Zoo cancelled its rhinoceros tour as a precaution, banned human contact with its zebras and took its horses and donkeys off public display.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-31/horse-flu-scare-stops-rhino-tour/655974 https://web.archive.org/web/20220503161537/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-08-31/horse-flu-scare-stops-rhino-tour/655974 live 3 May 2022 Horse flu scare stops rhino tour ABC News 31 August 2007 31 August 2007 On 2 September, the Australian Prime Minister at the time, John Howard, ordered a public inquiry into the outbreak of EI in Australia. He appointed retired former High Court judge Ian Callinan to conduct the inquiry. The Prime Minister stated that Justice Callinan would have sweeping powers to investigate "every aspect" of the crisis. 250 people were questioned in the inquiry, which centred on the Eastern Creek quarantine station in Sydney's western suburbs. International reaction New Zealand biosecurity authorities announced that all imports of horses from Australia would be halted indefinitely, and all horses that had arrived since 1 August are being identified. The New Zealand TAB altered meeting times on Sunday 26 August to provide some racing for the Australian betting market and have temporarily suspended early betting on the Australian Spring racing carnival.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10459863 Aussie horse imports halted over horse flu concerns The New Zealand Herald 25 August 2007 27 August 2007 Japanese horses were reported as being unlikely to travel to Australia for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/27/sports/AS-SPT-RAC-Australia-Influenza.php Japanese horses unlikely to travel to Australia for Melbourne Cup because of equine influenza International Herald Tribune 26 August 2007 27 August 2007 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071028165600/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/27/sports/AS-SPT-RAC-Australia-Influenza.php 28 October 2007 The trainer of defending Melbourne Cup winner Delta Blues and second placegetter Pop Rock confirmed that both horses would not be returning to Australia in 2007.http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/s2016765.htm Japanese horses not returning for 2007 cup Radio Australia 26 August 2007 27 August 2007 The Philippines banned imports of Australian racehorses as a precautionary measure, but praised Australia for "acting responsibly and banning the movement of horses".http://www.smh.com.au/news/horseracing/more-casualties-of-horse-flu-crisis/2007/08/28/1188067069460.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 Horse flu forces cancellation of Olympic qualifying event The Sydney Morning Herald 28 August 2007 28 August 2007 Effect James Gilkerson, President of the Australian Equine Veterinarians Association, said the horse racing and breeding industries could come to a standstill if horse flu took hold. John Messara, President of Australian Thoroughbred Breeders, said the industry would lose hundreds of millions of dollars in lost gambling revenue and stallion servicing fees.Horse flu action set to cost millions http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/24/2013773.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20070825083831/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/24/2013773.htm dead 25 August 2007 ABC News 24 August 2007 27 August 2007 Federal Treasurer Peter Costello said "when you take into account breeders, trainers, jockeys and race meetings the outbreak will affect the economy."http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22314190-662,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080608213739/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22314190-662,00.html dead 8 June 2008 Horse flu to hurt economy, warns Treasurer Costello Herald Sun 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 Peter McGauran called for the Melbourne Cup to be postponed. Racing Victoria Limited admitted the outbreak would affect the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival but vowed to defy the call to postpone the Melbourne Cup.http://www.theage.com.au/news/horse-racing/horse-flu-hits-spring-racing-carnival/2007/08/26/1188066947264.html Horse flu hits Spring Racing Carnival The Age 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 Melbournehttp://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22312699-601,00.html Officials vow Cup won't be delayed The Australian 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080608213810/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22312699-601,00.html 8 June 2008 dead Several betting agencies temporarily suspended betting on the Melbourne Cup.http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22303978-2702,00.html Horse flu fears cause suspension of Cup betting The Australian 25 August 2007 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070827042458/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22303978-2702,00.html 27 August 2007 dead New South Wales police said the ban on horse movements could affect crowd control at the APEC Australia 2007 summit where mounted police were planned to be used.http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22312659-5006784,00.html Horse flu may hobble APEC crowd control The Australian 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080608213805/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22312659-5006784,00.html 8 June 2008 dead Mounted police patrols for APEC were cancelled on 28 August after all NSW police horses were quarantined. By noon on 27 August, police had stopped over 100 people transporting horses in violation of the ban, and plans to bring police horses from Victoria for APEC had been scrapped.http://www.smh.com.au/news/aaa/horse-flu-crisis-racing-banned/2007/08/27/1188066998043.html?page=fullpage Horse flu crisis: racing banned The Sydney Morning Herald 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 The Parkes Show was cancelled after several horses in the area were diagnosed with EI and the showground was quarantined.http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2015726.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080608211439/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/27/2015726.htm dead 8 June 2008 Horse flu shuts down Parkes Show ABC News 27 August 2007 27 August 2007 For the second time in its 125-year history, the Birdsville Races were called off as Queensland Racing Minister Andrew Fraser cancelled all horse racing in the state.http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/28/2017299.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20071209125003/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/28/2017299.htm dead 9 December 2007 Birdsville Races off as Govt cancels weekend racing ABC News 28 August 2007 28 August 2007 The Australian Racing Board agreed to move the breeding season forward by six days to ease anticipated congestion of servicing bookings once the movement ban was lifted.Racehorse breeding season moved forward http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/28/2017193.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20071206152745/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/28/2017193.htm dead 6 December 2007 28 August 2007 ABC News 28 August 2007 The Randwick Trainers' Association ceased negotiations with the Catholic Church and the NSW Government over plans to hold a World Youth Day Papal mass at Randwick Racecourse in July 2008. Trainer John O'Shea said holding the mass at Randwick was now "out of the question" as the disruption and damage to the racecourse would multiply the damage of the EI outbreak.http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22318385-2,00.html Papal mass now 'out of the question' The Australian 28 August 2007 28 August 2007 Jill Rowbotham Tony Arrold 19 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070919110645/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22318385-2,00.html dead However, the mass went ahead, with all horses being removed from the track starting 13 June 2008 in preparation for construction work needed for the event.http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/god-punts-racehorses-out-of-randwick/story-e6frg6o6-1111116631056 The Australian 8 January 2011 Act of God punts racehorses out of Randwick Powell, Sian 14 June 2008October 2026 medicmedic The outbreak forced the cancellation of a 3-day qualifying event for the 2008 Summer Olympics scheduled to be held in Sydney on 13 September. Cattle mustering in Queensland, which is often carried out on horseback, was halted due to the ban on horse movements.http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/2007/s2019625.htm Horse flu holds up cattle mustering in Qld ABC Rural News 30 August 2007 31 August 2007 The Sydney spring racing carnival was cancelled following the outbreak at Randwick racecourse. NSW horses will be prevented from travelling to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup.http://www.theage.com.au/news/horse-racing/sydney-racing-spring-in-ruins/2007/08/30/1188067274470.html Sydney racing spring in ruins The Age 30 August 2007 31 August 2007 Melbourne The Equine Influenza has also had an ongoing effect on the Largest National Equine Endurance Event The Shahzada which was to be held at St Albans NSW from 27 to 31 August. All horses at the event were locked down for over a week, with many competitors travelling from interstate. It has been a disaster, with many not being able to bring their highly trained animals home. Many of these horses have had to be left on properties within New South Wales. On 23 January 2008 The Keeper of the Australian Stud Book, Michael Ford, reported that "To date, 23,305 mares have recorded coverings by 679 stallions, a decrease of 13% on last year’s 26,800 coverings." However, Mr Ford expected the gap to be narrowed to 10% after late lodgements and paddock services were received later in the season. "A depleted foal crop will have an effect on racing in two years, lasting for several years" explained Mr Ford. "It also impacts on future foal crops in six years' time when horses from that crop go to stud."http://www.studbook.org.au/News.aspx Stud Book Salutes Valiant Fightback Against EI Australian Stud Book 23 January 2008 28 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080312171118/http://www.studbook.org.au/News.aspx 12 March 2008 live New South Wales was declared free of equine influenza by the state Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald on 29 February 2008. Queensland, the only other state affected by the outbreak, has no infected properties and is expected to be declared EI free within a few weeks. Callinan Report Former judge Ian Callinan was commissioned to undertake an investigation into the EI outbreak.http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23294223-5006784,00.html NSW 'is clear of horse flu' The Australian 29 February 2008 1 March 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080305025322/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23294223-5006784,00.html 5 March 2008 dead His findings were released on 12 June 2008 in a scathing report, in which Australia's quarantine system was described as "inefficient, underfunded and lacking diligence".Rodgers Emma Inquiry slams quarantine over horse flu outbreak http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-06-12/inquiry-slams-quarantine-over-horse-flu-outbreak/2469204 19 March 2017 ABC News 12 June 2008 en-AU The new Agriculture Minister Tony Burke promised that all 38 of the report's recommendations would be implemented, and that a "massive change" in the culture of the quarantine service should occur. The federal government also appointed Professor Peter Shergold to oversee the implementation of the report's recommendations over 2009–2010. References 30em External links 72 hour Australia wide ban on horse movements Horse flu spreads in Australia Horse racing in NSW, Queensland cancelled indefinitely Horse flu damage spreads First signs of recovery from horse flu outbreak Equine Influenza National Pests & Diseases, Australian Department of Agriculture Exotic Diseases in Animals Act 1991 (NSW) NSW Department of Primary Industries: Equine Influenza Animal Health Australia Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement Tracing the equine flu trail, ABC 7.30 Report, 27 August 2007. Accessed 2007-08-28. Equine influenza outbreak Category:2007 disease outbreaks Category:Horse diseases Category:Influenza by country Category:Horse racing in Australia Category:Disease outbreaks in Australia