Biosecurity Australia announced yesterday (May 17) that the March 14 ban on horses from foot and mouth disease (FMD)-affected countries has been lifted. Strict quarantine and disinfection measures have been enacted to maintain Australia’s FMD-free status.

”In light of community and industry concern over the importation of horses, a thorough examination of the risks has been undertaken in consultation with the Australian horse industry, veterinary authorities, and other stakeholders,” said officials in a statement from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry and Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). “Imports can safely be allowed under a series of stringent conditions that will maintain Australia’s disease freedom.”

The arrangements, which took effect immediately, allow importation of horses from the United Kingdom and the rest of the European Union, providing that:

1. The horses spend the mandatory three-week pre-export quarantine (PEQ) period at an approved quarantine facility in a country that does not currently have a significant FMD outbreak (this means that horses from England, Scotland, and Wales will need to undergo PEQ in another country since they have current major outbreaks)