26 September 2008
DAFF08/129B

All nasal swabs taken from all 74 horses at the Eastern Creek Quarantine Station – tested at laboratories at Camden and Geelong – have now tested negative for equine influenza.

This includes new swabs taken after the positive test result and re-testing of the initial five swabs taken during strict quarantine processes on the horses’ entry into Australia.

The only result outstanding is blood tests from all 74 horses, also being carried out by the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong, which are expected to be known by tonight.

These tests will provide a final level of assurance that equine influenza is not present.

By the end of the process, each of the 74 horses will have been tested at least 14 times through separate processes.

Further information will be provided when the results of the blood tests are known.