Fears horse virus already in NZ

It is feared the virus affecting horses across the Tasman has already reached this country.

Racing and horse movements have been banned in Australia.

MAF has also moved to stop the flow of animals across the Tasman.

Racing commentator George Simon says the ramifications of the disease on our doorstep would turn the racing industry on its head. He says until there is confirmation it has made the journey, every effort should be made to protect the industry.

He says experts dealing with the issue have an opportunity to justify their salaries and keep the potentially fatal disease from coming here.

Biosecurity officials are now tracing all 200 horses which have been imported from Australia recently.

- NEWSTALK ZB