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South Korea has been asked to lift its strict quarantine measures & “give Queensland's thoroughbred horses a chance to participate in the country's burgeoning racing industry,” reported aapracingandsports.com.au.

Queensland Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk has asked the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry to lift its 60-day quarantine on Queensland horses, imposed after a mystery disease killed Brisbane trainer Vic Rail & 13 of his horses in 1994 & also killed a man associated with the horses in the Mackay area the following year.

The disease, referred to as the Hendra virus, is believed to originate from bats & produces lung & brain diseases related to canine distemper & measles. The horse quarantine extends to Queensland alone: home to the only 2 known cases of the virus. But Palaszczuk, who met officials in South Korea last week, said the 2 incidents had been isolated & the quarantine could be lifted. He added information would be sent to the Ministry (which controls the Korean Racing Association), in a bid to remove the restriction. Palaszczuk noted: "This would obviously be a major boost to the Queensland thoroughbred racing & breeding industry, & it would also ensure the Korean racing industry can expand with greater access to the better quality Queensland-bred horses. The Korean racing industry is looking to grow & the Queensland industry can benefit substantially from that growth."

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