Equine Influenza - What happens if my property is quarantined?

If equine influenza (EI) is suspected or detected in a horse on your property, an inspector will issue a Quarantine Order. This is a legal notice which means that you cannot move horses or anything that could be contaminated with the EI virus off the property unless authorised by an inspector.

What does the Quarantine Order apply to?

  • horses, mules, donkeys and other animals in the Equidae family ("horses");
  • animal products from horses, including respiratory secretions, blood and manure;
  • horse fodder;
  • horse fittings (equipment);
  • horse vehicles.

What are the movement restrictions?

  • Horses cannot leave or enter the property.
  • Anything related to horses such as equipment, vehicles, fodder, bedding etc cannot leave or enter the property unless authorised by an inspector - see Movement information for more details 
  • Any person can enter and leave the premises provided that they have followed personal cleaning procedures after contact with horses. Even after taking these precautions, including having changed into clean clothes, you must not go near horses on other properties for at least 24 hours after the last contact with a horse or equipment on your property.
  • No other movements on to or out of the premises are allowed unless authorised by an inspector.
  • See Movement information for more details. 

Your horses can move freely within the boundaries of your property. In fact once the disease is confirmed, the sooner your other horses get the disease, the sooner they will recover and the quarantine can be lifted.

How long is the Quarantine Order in place?

A Quarantine Order is in force for 50 days. This should allow sufficient time for the disease to run its course. If not, a new Quarantine Order may be issued to extend the period of quarantine further. If on the other hand the diagnosis is not confirmed, and a risk assessment has been undertaken, the Quarantine Order will be revoked. The Quarantine Order is revoked if a Purple Zone is declared which includes the premises.

It is in your and every other horse owner's best interests that these movement restrictions are adhered to. It should also be noted that there are stiff penalties under the Exotic Diseases of Animals Act 1991 for breaches of a quarantine order - up to $22,000 and imprisonment for up to 6 months.

Further information can be obtained from the NSW Equine Influenza Hotline: 1800 675 888