Swimming Australia event axed due to swine flu

Australia's swine flu outbreak has hit sports events with a national swimming competition cancelled while rugby league's first case has put fixtures in doubt.

With the country's tally at 1,211 cases, Swimming Australia said it was shelving this month's Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Swimming Australia Chief Executive Kevin Neil, explained that "Swimming Australia has a duty of care in relation to our athletes, as well as ensuring we give them be the best chance possible to prepare for the World Championships in Rome.

"It is a regrettable decision to have to make, yet one that we have made with all the information available."

Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon called the decision to call off the event, scheduled to be held on 20th and 21st June at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre "regrettable" stating "I would urge those who are organizing their events to make sure their decisions are based on medical advice and the nature of course of the event to be held."

The event may be rescheduled later this year.

Meanwhile concern grew over rugby league fixtures after Queensland's Ben Hannant was diagnosed with swine flu following last week's State of Origin match in Melbourne.

Six of Hannant's Brisbane team-mates were placed in quarantine while two of his fellow Origin players were ruled out of a match on Monday. On Tuesday, Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah was also isolated as a precaution.

National Rugby League Chief Executive David Gallop refused to rule out canceling or postponing games if the situation worsens, stating "it's a concern but as I said we can only take advice from the public health authorities and that's what we're doing."

World Health Organisation figures released on Monday showed more than 25,000 cases in 73 countries, including 139 deaths.