International Law

Equine Influenza Inquiry

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has released the report of the inquiry into the equine influenza outbreak in Australia in August 2007, conducted by the Hon. Ian Callinan AC, along with the Federal Government?s response.

The Government has agreed to all 38 of Commissioner Callinan?s recommendations.

Commissioner Callinan concluded that the virus ?probably? came into Australia in August 2007, via horses from Japan.

He was unable to make a precise finding as to how the virus entered the general horse population, or of direct liability or culpability, but found the virus was most likely carried on a contaminated person or equipment leaving Eastern Creek Quarantine Station.

The Commission made no findings on legal liability. His report identified a number of matters involving the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) and the horse industry which may have contributed to the outbreak.

Full post as published by Australian Regulatory Compliance Review on June 12, 2008 (boomark / email).