Vets slam Australia horse flu 'disaster'

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

SYDNEY (AFP) — An outbreak of equine influenza in Australia is a "disaster" that will have long-term effects, Australian veterinarians said Saturday, as limited racing resumed in the country's worst-affected states.

The Australian Veterinary Association said it supported the restart of so-called "phantom" races, but warned the racing industry's problems were not over.

"This is a disaster for Australia's horse industry, and a return to betting is absolutely not an indication that the overall situation is improving," said association president Diane Sheehan.

The "phantom" races are held at one location with betting at another track via video link. Only tracks free of the virus can hold these races.

Racing got under way under biosecurity measures at...