Summary - 6:30pm 27 August, 2007

Tests are being carried out on two horses at Randwick racecourse after they were found to be exhibiting signs of equine influenza this morning.

Results are expected to become available later this evening.

All known infections have been in the leisure and eventing horse industry and this is the first indication that the virus may have entered the thoroughbred racing industry in Australia.

Currently, there are eight confirmed infected properties and sick horses at 50 other locations, with 15 of those suspected of being infected.

Suspect properties are located in the Sydney region at Randwick, Camden, Londonderry, Box Hill, Concord and Arcadia; in the Hunter at Aberdeen, Gloucester, Wybong, Muswellbrook; and in the north west at Moree.
Nearly 200 owners of horses attending a large equestrian jumping and cross-country event held just north of Lochinvar, west of Maitland, on 18-19 August have been contact and their horses are being examined.

All horse movements in NSW continue to be banned while further tracing is urgently being undertaken. 415 horses have been held on five properties around NSW to help contain the disease and stop its further spread.