The recent outbreak of equine influenza (horse flu) in Australia has required the country to impose racing bans and a nationwide lockdown on horse, donkey, and mule movements. However, some races have been allowed due to the decision by the Victorian governing body, which ruled allow racing on Saturday, Sept. 1, providing there are no Thoroughbreds that test positive for the disease in Victoria in the meantime.

Meanwhile, other states have begun issuing special permits which allow limited movement for the animals, such as to be taken by their trainers to local training grounds. Sydney may also allow around 700 horses to race, acting on a proposal from the Australian Jockey Club.

The most important cancelation is the Sydney International Three-Day Event, which is part of the Olympic qualifying events. It was to be held the Horsley Park equestrian centre in Sydney's south west from September 13 to 15. For now, the best guess is that it will be held sometime early next year.

"It is unfortunate that we have had to cancel this crucial qualifying event, however, given the state of the EI outbreak it would be impractical for all involved to delay the decision any longer," said Rose Read, the event's director, quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Also, the Philippines banned all imports of racehorses from Australia. "The ban will be in place until such time that they contain the problem in Australia," said Florencio Fianza, chairman of the Philippine Racing Commission.

The Australian police forces have also been hit, as it uses many mounted units. At least six of its horses belonging to the NSW Police have tested positive, which virtually eliminates chances that mounted units could be used during the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit next month. It's still unclear what caused the equine influenza outbreak, but there may be a link with the recent one in Japan. The viruses that cause it usually have a nearly 100% infection rate in unvaccinated horses that have not been previously exposed to the virus.