The authority's decision-making committee chairman Dr Kieran Elborough said the vaccines would only be able to be used if there was an outbreak of equine influenza in New Zealand or to meet the biosecurity requirements of other countries for horse imports.

Last year Australian racing in NSW and Queensland was thrown into disarray through the outbreak of equine influenza which swept the thoroughbred industry.

Dr Elborough said in reaching its decision, the committee evaluated the possible effects on the natural environment, the economy, people and society and Maori values.

"The committee considered all potential risks from the use of vaccines, ProteqFlu and ProteqFlu Te, and concluded that potential benefits of the application outweighed the risks. The two vaccines have the same GM component, but the latter provided additional protection against tetanus."

The application to import for release the vaccines was submitted by the New Zealand Racing Board and the New Zealand Equine Health Association.

The New Zealand Racing Board has welcomed the decision.

Chief executive Graeme Hansen said the clear preference was to prevent equine influenza from ever reaching New Zealand and extensive precautions and education had taken place to try to ensure that.

"However, if there is an incursion, it is important to have available the most effective vaccine that could curb the spread of the disease quickly," he said.

NZPA WGT

AAP TURF