There now are 1,019 equine influenza-infected horses on 127 properties in New South Wales, Australia, with another 3,570 suspect cases on 402 additional properties, according to the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald on Sept. 4.

ABC Australia reported the afternoon of Sept. 4 that equine influenza had spread to the Upper Hunter Valley, which is home to the country’s large Thoroughbred breeding operations. It is foaling season in Australia, and a Thoroughbred broodmare has tested positive for flu, according to the article at ABC Australia.

Macdonald stressed in a press release that horse owners should not move horses, ride horses off their properties, or allow nose-to-nose contact with horses on neighboring farms.

“The message is clear–stop moving horses and exercise good hygiene and we will have the best chance at stopping the disease from spreading,” said Macdonald