[my miss storm cat]

NSW RACING BAN - All Meetings Off Indefinitely
Story By Chris Scholtz


Monday, 27 August 2007: Racing in NSW has been suspended indefinitely in the wake of the escalation of the equine influenza crisis

Ian Macdonald, the NSW Minister for Primary Industries, has revealed that 415 horses have been identified with flu symptoms at 53 different locations around NSW including 51 with confirmed cases of EI.

Macdonald announced today that no movement of horses in NSW will be permitted in NSW until further notice.

He said the situation would not be reviewed until next Monday.

The extension of the containment order means all thoroughbred and harness racing in NSW will remain suspended until at least next week and cancels out Saturday's Rosehill meeting featuring the $1 million Golden Rose.

"It is vital nobody moves a horse in this state until further notice," Macdonald said.

FInes of up to $44,000 and 12-month jail sentences can apply to any person found moving a horse in NSW while the containment orders are in force.

Police have already stopped more than 100 horse floats on NSW roads since the bans were applied on Saturday.

Randwick racecourse was locked down this morning after the detection of infections in three thoroughbreds from leading stables.

Samples from these horses have been sent for laboratory tests to identify if they are carrying EI with the results not expected until late today.

If they come back positive to EI all horses at Randwick will automatically be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days.

The Victorian Government followed the NSW announcement by confirming that racing and horse movement will remain suspended in that state until Friday, ending hopes of a resumption of racing at Moonee Valley on Wednesday.

Racing Victoria will respond to the latest NSW developments at a media conference at 4pm.

Ian Macdonald announced the formation of a task force to assist people unable to leave locations with their horses, such as showgrounds and riding schools, since the movement bans were imposed on Saturday.

The NSW DPI reported that eight NSW properties and one in Queensland are confirmed infected with equine influenza.

Another 18 NSW properties are under suspicion with results expected to confirm the presence of the disease on at least some of these properties.

Over 250 NSW DPI personnel, supported by Rural Lands Protection Board staff and industry representatives, are working in centres in Orange and Camden to stop the spread of equine influenza.

Authorities are relying on the general public to report horses with a fever greater than 38.5 degrees celsius and respiratory signs.

Horse owners must NOT move their animals and must report any flu-like symptoms to the emregency hotline 02 46406440.

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As an aside, the Japanese runners have officially been ruled out.