The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries today (Sept. 3) said 835 horses on 119 properties across the state were now infected with equine influenza. Another 2,900 horses on 319 additional properties are considered suspect of having flu. The good news is tracing accounted for each infected property, according to Deputy Chief Veterinary officer Steve Dunn.

There were 500 flu-infected horses as of Aug. 31, and 700 infected horses on 70 properties as of Sept. 1.

A total ban on the movement of horses across New South Wales will remain in place for at least another week, according to Department of Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald on Sept. 3.

Macdonald said NSW government, racing, and sport horse representatives made the decision this morning (Sept. 3) at a Ministerial Equine Influenza Response Group meeting to keep the ban on horse movement in place for at least another week