Victoria’s emergency response plan to a horse disease outbreak was put through its paces June 7 when Racing Minister, John Pandazopoulos, launched Exercise Pegasus.

Pandazopoulos said over the past three years the State Government had been working closely with Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria to protect the industry from equine disease.

“In 2003, I launched Horse Alert Victoria–an operational plan for the management of horse disease emergencies in Victoria,” Pandazopoulos said.

“Exercise Pegasus, the simulation of an equine disease outbreak, gives us the opportunity to test and enhance the emergency plan,” said Pandazopoulos. “The Victorian Racing industry is leading the way for all horse lovers, breeders, recreational riders and racegoers by having an integrated plan to manage and respond to the risk of a disease outbreak