Equine Influenza Response Remains on Track

To view this communique in its entirety Click Here

The National Management Group (NMG) addressing the Equine Influenza outbreak
has re-affirmed its view that equine influenza can be contained with a view to
eradication, with current control measures remaining effective.

The group has asked its scientific and technical advisory body, the Consultative
Committee on Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD), to develop scenarios to project
the future trend of the outbreak based on reasonable assumptions.

This work should help response agencies, industry and recreational horse owners
develop a clearer picture of how much longer stringent biosecurity and movement
restrictions may need to be maintained.

The NMG has also issued a paper on vaccination Equine Influenza Vaccination in a
Containment and Eradication Situation to help inform stakeholders and the public
debate on the issue. Prepared by the CCEAD, the paper outlines technical facts
about vaccination and key issues for considering vaccination as a control measure.
Contingency planning for the possible future use of vaccines is being undertaken.
CCEAD will prepare a risk analysis on key issues, focusing on possible triggers for
vaccination use and strategies for employing it.

Meanwhile, the need for maintaining current standstill requirements and biosecurity
measures will be reinforced through an advertising and direct mail campaign
targeting peri-urban landholders.

The campaign will highlight the importance of the standstill measures in force in
NSW, Queensland and the ACT, and critical biosecurity measures including personal
hygiene around horses, limiting access to animals, keeping watch for signs of the
disease, and reporting suspected cases.

NMG is comprised of the Chief Executive Officers of the Commonwealth and
State/Territory departments of agriculture/primary industries across Australia, and
also the heads of the peak bodies representing the horse industry.

To view this communique in its entirety Click Here