Equine flu forces Australia into early Olympic decision

Australian Olympic prospects will learn next week whether they will be sent overseas for six months’ quarantine prior to the Olympics because of the equine influenza outbreak.

The decision, to be made by the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA), depends on biosecurity protocols affecting the movement of horses and therefore the competition schedule next year.

Moving overseas will reduce the selection pool and cost riders and the federation in excess of $2million [£861,051].

The final decision will be made on 19 December.

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