News & Media

28 August 2007 Suspected Equine Influenza - First Test Results All Clear

Racing and Wagering Western Australia has today announced that discussions between key personnel of The Department of Agriculture and Food Animal Biosecurity and RWWA staff continue to move forward.

Preliminary testing by the Department of Agriculture and Food has found no evidence of equine influenza in horses imported into Western Australia from New South Wales over the past two weeks.

"No horses in Western Australia are showing any signs of equine influenza, but we want to be absolutely sure they have not come in contact with the virus." Department Director of Animal Biosecurity, Dr Ashley Mercy said.

Dr Ashley Mercy said, "The National Vet Committee are considering criteria that would enable states to allow the movement of horses ahead of the deadline for the national standstill which expires 1pm Friday."

"Western Australia's position will be considered after all of the test results are in tomorrow."

Chief Executive Officer of RWWA, Mr Ray Bennett said "providing we get clearance tomorrow we would expect training will resume Thursday morning and we could go ahead with programs commencing at Gloucester Park on Friday night."

"We are trying to get the standstill lifted in WA earlier than the national standstill and if we can achieve that tomorrow then it is a credit to the Department of Agriculture and Food and RWWA people involved in the process," Mr Bennett said.

For more information contact:

Drew Mazalevskis
Manager Industry Media & Communications
Ph: 9445 5184
Mb: 0417 180 828