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.