The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries announced today (Aug. 25) that stiff penalties have been imposed on people illegally moving horses during the current quarantine due to equine influenza in New South Wales, Australia. The press office of the NSW Department of Primary Industries said a major announcement would be made in two hours (10:30 p.m. U.S. time, 12:30 p.m. Australian time Sunday, Aug. 26). Watch this site for updates.

A NSW government press release stated: People who move horses without permission during the current suspected equine influenza outbreak have been warned they will suffer harsh penalties for breaching movement restrictions. NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Bruce Christie said moving any horses within a restricted area without first obtaining a permit could lead to a fine of up to $44,000 and up to 12 months imprisonment.

“Moving any equine animal into, out of, or within the 10 kilometre restricted areas around Centennial Park and the Eastern Creek quarantine facility, is prohibited unless a permit is obtained prior to movement,” Dr. Christie said.

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“The remainder of New South Wales is now a declared control area, which means movement restrictions apply throughout the state, and there are severe penalties for any breaches of movement restrictions without a permit in the control area,” he continued. “Movement restrictions also apply to the movement of any equine products within the state