“These are very difficult times for everyone and I would like to thank the thoroughbred industry, the harness racing industry and recreational horse owners for their support during this past week,” he said.
“The welfare of animals is being carefully managed with the RSPCA conducting regular inspections, where animals are locked down.
“Community support workers are visiting locations in regional areas including Parkes and Moonbi, to assist horse owners.
"Since the outbreak one week ago the State Government incurred costs of about $1.09 million and this figure will obviously increase as the NSW DPI and other agencies work to eliminate the disease.
“The NSW Government is doing everything possible to prevent the spread of this disease.
“We have intensified our efforts, and our priority is to stop this disease spreading and get the industry back on its feet.
“The standstill is working and everyone has been very cooperative.”
KEY STATISTICS
• There are 500 horses infected with equine influenza across NSW.
• There are 53 known infected properties across NSW.
• There are another 2,335 horses are suspected of having equine Influenza on another 213 properties.
• A total of eight out of ten thoroughbreds from a stable at Randwick Racecourse have tested positive to equine influenza
• Infected properties are at Aberdeen, Arcadia, Berry, Cattai, Charmhaven, Clarendon, Cooranbong, Eagleton, Eastern Cree, Glenhaven, Glenorie, Gloucester, Glossodia, Kulnurra, Kurrajong, Londonderry, McCullys Gap, Maitland, Moonbi, Moree, Moore Park, Mount Hunter, Muswellbrook, Palm Grove, Parkes, Pitt Town, Quakers Hill, Randwick, Raymond Terrace, Redfern, Scone, Terry Hie Hie, Timbumburi, Tintinhul and Wilberforce.
Further information is available on the NSW DPI website and also via the 1800 number - 1800 675 888.