Equine Influenza arrived at the Toft Stables

On day 13 since Equine Influenza arrived at the Toft Stables, whilst hundreds of their Horses now have the virus, new cases are adding to that total daily.

Since EI arrived at Toft Endurance on the 18^th September, 4 other properties operated by the Toft’s have EI despite exhaustive precautions being implemented. IT IS SO CONTAIGOUS.

One Farm still is free but for how long is the question. It will be a few more weeks before all of our Horses have the virus.

Thermometers and needles are now tools of the trade replacing saddles and bridles. With 70% of our Horses infected, clinically most are responding well with minimal treatment, though it still means treating approximately 40 Horses each day.

From our experience those most affected are imminent Broodmares, the Show Horses and the tough little Ponies. One broodmare has continued to have elevated temperatures for ten consecutive days despite treatment. She is due to foal now.

Points of interest:

· Clear patterns are emerging, including higher temperatures as the days are getting warmer.

· Our Elite International Endurance Horses including Justice, Murdoch and Friends that were vaccinated will Kill vaccine (Fort Dodge Duvaxin) demonstrated moist nostrils for one morning and all have been very well, high lighting that for us the vaccine does in fact work.

· Thirty Horses due for export had also been vaccinated recently and they also escaped lightly.

· The Queensland DPI has not been interested in this.

· The DPI has not been to see us (as of day 13).

· We do not accept waiting 10-12 months for this crisis to resolve itself.

The Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh called Peter on Friday morning to discuss the Equine Influenza crisis and its impact on the Performance and Pleasure Horse Industry. Peter now has meetings early this week with the Premier and the Minister of Primary Industries.

(Peter and Penny had called a Community meeting on Thursday night and representatives from both State and Federal Governments attended plus, three TV stations, radio and local newspapers).

Peter and Penny Toft.