EI Disaster 16.9.07

The DPI is suggesting a fire break zone, i.e. vaccinate the horses outside the infected parts, after which, it should technically burn itself out. This is great, but then, we have introduced vaccinating for the rest of our lives, something a lot are not in favour of doing. Why not remove all these horses in the approaching danger zones, create a 'fire break around' the infected areas of no horses, nothing to continue the chain reaction, and can technically burn itself out inside the already infected area's. I can see the terrible upheaval for those that have to get out, but think of the upheaval if they stay and inherit the flu!!

Stop it in its tracks, and it is possible if everyone hangs together. We are all after the same thing, lets take "racing" out of the equation and treat all horses the same!! The concern for the spring racing carnival and the breeding industry is justifiable, but of equal concern to many is the (lack of) lead up with selection for the Olympic Games, and the fact that if the flu does not end, no horses from Australia will be able to go anyway. No country will allow a stopover, even if we could land at the other end. Australia is different in many ways from the other countries the 'experts' are comparing the problem to. We are unique, we are able to live like we do, we have so much space, talent, drive, determination, the will to achieve. This country consists of wonderful people, let stand up and prove it.

Sarah Allen,
Arthurs Creek, Victoria