If it's managed to jump the Tasman, how safe our NSW/VIC border? Look out spring carnival ???

Racing industry faces crisis

SEAN STEVENSON

October 12, 2007 12:00am

THE racing industry in Tasmania could be shut down today if fears horse flu is in the state are confirmed.

The industry was in lockdown last night as it reeled from the news of a suspected case of equine influenza in the North-West.

A recreational horse from Smithton has returned a positive result in preliminary tests for EI and a lockdown order has been issued on all horses in the state by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment.

If the tests are confirmed today, thoroughbred and harness racing will be cancelled indefinitely.

The horse involved is understood to have travelled around the state for horse shows. It is now in isolation.

Trainers warned an indefinite ban could cripple the industry for the next 12 months.

The preliminary tests were done at the DPIW's Mt Pleasant laboratories.

Samples have been dispatched to Australian Animal Health Laboratories at Geelong and an initial test has come back negative.

Full article at
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/stor...4-13222,00.html