Qt.com.au - Full Article
Felicity Caldwell | 11th January 2009
THE Toft family received a belated Christmas present recently when the world officially acknowledged Australia was equine influenza (EI) free.
The official recognition from the World Organisation for Animal Health follows a sustained surveillance and compliance effort in the 12 months since the last notified case of equine influenza on Christmas Day, 2007.
Tallegalla endurance horse breeder Peter Toft said the most significant announcement for the industry was when people were allowed to move their horses and go about their normal activities.
But the official recognition was great news for Australia, as it would reassure international industry members.
"That can help put a bit more confidence in the international market for our horses," Mr Toft said.
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