CastleMouse
Well-Known Member
Taken from the RTE website -
It is understood that a significant number of Ireland's leading stallions are among 79 horses being held in two quarantine centres in Sydney and Melbourne following an outbreak of equine flu in Australia.
The virus is believed to have been brought in by stallions from Japan, and horses in the two centres are being tested for the disease.
Many Irish stallions are currently in Australia for the start of the breeding season there.
The Australian government has imposed a ban on the movement of horses to halt the spread of the virus and race meetings have been cancelled.
The Irish National Stud says one privately-owned stallion that stands at the stud is currently under quarantine in Australia.
Coolmore Stud in Co Tipperary says nine of its stallions are being held, including the former champion, Rock of Gibraltar.
Kildangan Stud in Co Kildare says five horses which originated in its stud are being held.
Managing Director Joe Osbourne says it is not known how long the horses will be kept there.
Industry experts in Ireland say any horses who are infected will recover well from the virus but owners could be hit hard financially.
It is understood that a significant number of Ireland's leading stallions are among 79 horses being held in two quarantine centres in Sydney and Melbourne following an outbreak of equine flu in Australia.
The virus is believed to have been brought in by stallions from Japan, and horses in the two centres are being tested for the disease.
Many Irish stallions are currently in Australia for the start of the breeding season there.
The Australian government has imposed a ban on the movement of horses to halt the spread of the virus and race meetings have been cancelled.
The Irish National Stud says one privately-owned stallion that stands at the stud is currently under quarantine in Australia.
Coolmore Stud in Co Tipperary says nine of its stallions are being held, including the former champion, Rock of Gibraltar.
Kildangan Stud in Co Kildare says five horses which originated in its stud are being held.
Managing Director Joe Osbourne says it is not known how long the horses will be kept there.
Industry experts in Ireland say any horses who are infected will recover well from the virus but owners could be hit hard financially.
