Keeping horses
Introduction
NT regulation update: agriculture and livestock changes
From 22 May 2025, the Agriculture Legislation Amendment Regulations 2025 came into place, amending:
- Hemp Industry Regulations 2020
- Livestock Regulations 2009
- Pastoral Land Regulations 1992
- Plant Health Regulations 2011.
Read about these changes.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis has been detected in Australian piggeries in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.
A small number of positive cases have been detected in feral pigs in the Northern Territory. Surveillance is continuing.
Report anything suspicious in animals by calling 1800 675 888.
Find out more about Japanese encephalitis.
Hendra virus
Hendra virus is spread by flying foxes and bats. It causes respiratory or neurological disease in horses. In some cases it can be passed on to humans.
There are no known cases in the NT, however, the virus is carried by flying foxes in the Territory.
Report anything suspicious in animals by calling 1800 675 888.
Find out more about Hendra virus in horses.
There are large numbers of race, pleasure, working and feral horses and donkeys in the Northern Territory (NT).
These pages have information for horse owners, horse industry workers and transporters in the NT.
Property identification code
If you are a property owner in the NT where horses (equine - includes ponies, miniature horses, mules and donkeys) are kept, the property must have a property identification code (PIC), regardless of the size of the block or if agisting.
Read more about PICs and how to register your property.
Contacts
For more information about horses and biosecurity issues contact your nearest regional livestock biosecurity officer.
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