Friday, 30 November 2007: Horses are now able to move freely between Moree and the Coast via the Gwydir Highway following an extension to the NSW Equine Influenza Protection plan's green zone.
The green zone boundary has been adjusted to take in a small section of the Gwydir Highway near Moree that remained in the amber zone when a further 10 million hectares moved from high risk (amber) to lower risk (green) this week.
It includes the township of Moree and extends about 6 km west of Moree and 6 km south of Moree on the Newell Highway.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Steve Dunn, said the decision to extend the boundary had been taken to facilitate horse movements along the only direct route to Warialda and the coast.
“Each decision to alter the status of a zone is based on proof-of-freedom testing because we have to be certain that there is no disease present,” Mr Dunn said.
“It makes sense to include the Gwydir Highway east in the green zone because it opens up an important transport route to horse owners who have waited a long time to participate in events or move their horse to another location.”
Mr Dunn said a Travelling Horse Statement (THS) is required for each and every movement within the green zone, and must be carried at all times.
However, a permit is needed for movements into the amber, red and purple zones as well as Interstate.
A THS is easy to obtain online by going to www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza. It involves filling out a form and printing a copy to take on the journey.
Information supplied on the THS form is stored in the NSW DPI database, and carefully examined to identify any illegal movements that could jeopardise the disease control efforts. THS information will also help trace movements in the unlikely event that EI is detected in the area.
People without internet access can either visit their local library, or ring the disease hotline on 1800 675 888 and the staff will fax their THS to them.
Anyone requiring a permit should contact their local Rural Lands Protection Board.
