NSW DPI Equine influenza daily update - 27 September 2007
SITUATION UPDATEThere are currently 2526 Infected Properties (IPs), 326 Dangerous Contact Properties (DCPs) and 371 Suspect Properties (SPs).
Two facts, among others, encourage optimism for the prospect of eradicating EI:
1. All State Disease Control Head Quarters (SDCHQs) have been advised that, to date, almost all spread in the Australian EI outbreak after 25 August 2007 has been at the local level. There is no evidence of widely dispersed continuing infection, new IPs are largely confined to areas of existing infection where horse population densities are high, and statewide and regional epidemic curves are showing promising declines in the numbers of new IPs.
2. The most recent epidemiological advice provided to SDCHQ states that the 1986 outbreak in South Africa was similar in many respects to the outbreak Australia is currently experiencing. The South African outbreak was severe and extensive, yet was eradicated in circumstances much more difficult than Australia is facing.
The important factors that appear to have driven recent spread are density of horse populations combined with local airborne spread and nose-to-nose contact between horses over fences in these areas. There are still many instances where EI has been spread by people and via objects. To counter this local spread, suspect cases, particularly in Control Areas, need to be reported, and high standards of personal biosecurity maintained.
Industry Liaison representatives worked with SDCHQ and Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) staff to find a way for a produce merchant in the Northern Sydney area at risk of closing down to continue operating. They ensured appropriate biosecurity arrangements were in place and the business is able to operate in accordance with relevant quarantine requirements.
Vaccination is planned to start this weekend once the vaccine arrives in Australia this evening. All vaccinations will be used for the eradication campaign only, and there is currently no proposal for any general vaccination of horses. Vaccination other than with the approval of the Chief Veterinary Officer remains illegal.
Buffer zones are being established. The first area targeted by the vaccination campaign is the southern buffer zone. Most horse owners in this region have been contacted and have responded positively to the eradication strategy. Once vaccinated, horses will show immunity within 2 weeks. We ask that you remain patient during the next 2 weeks in the interests of the successful control and eradication of this influenza outbreak.
Many people from the non-racing sector are concerned that decision making is favouring the thoroughbred racing and breeding sector. The focus of the media on the Melbourne Cup and the Victorian Spring Carnival tends to confirm this concern, but the need to vaccinate racehorses is driven by the fact that the cessation of racing is a major cost to the economy.
Two facts, among others, encourage optimism for the prospect of eradicating EI:
1. All State Disease Control Head Quarters (SDCHQs) have been advised that, to date, almost all spread in the Australian EI outbreak after 25 August 2007 has been at the local level. There is no evidence of widely dispersed continuing infection, new IPs are largely confined to areas of existing infection where horse population densities are high, and statewide and regional epidemic curves are showing promising declines in the numbers of new IPs.
2. The most recent epidemiological advice provided to SDCHQ states that the 1986 outbreak in South Africa was similar in many respects to the outbreak Australia is currently experiencing. The South African outbreak was severe and extensive, yet was eradicated in circumstances much more difficult than Australia is facing.
The important factors that appear to have driven recent spread are density of horse populations combined with local airborne spread and nose-to-nose contact between horses over fences in these areas. There are still many instances where EI has been spread by people and via objects. To counter this local spread, suspect cases, particularly in Control Areas, need to be reported, and high standards of personal biosecurity maintained.
Industry Liaison representatives worked with SDCHQ and Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) staff to find a way for a produce merchant in the Northern Sydney area at risk of closing down to continue operating. They ensured appropriate biosecurity arrangements were in place and the business is able to operate in accordance with relevant quarantine requirements.
Vaccination is planned to start this weekend once the vaccine arrives in Australia this evening. All vaccinations will be used for the eradication campaign only, and there is currently no proposal for any general vaccination of horses. Vaccination other than with the approval of the Chief Veterinary Officer remains illegal.
Buffer zones are being established. The first area targeted by the vaccination campaign is the southern buffer zone. Most horse owners in this region have been contacted and have responded positively to the eradication strategy. Once vaccinated, horses will show immunity within 2 weeks. We ask that you remain patient during the next 2 weeks in the interests of the successful control and eradication of this influenza outbreak.
Many people from the non-racing sector are concerned that decision making is favouring the thoroughbred racing and breeding sector. The focus of the media on the Melbourne Cup and the Victorian Spring Carnival tends to confirm this concern, but the need to vaccinate racehorses is driven by the fact that the cessation of racing is a major cost to the economy.
posted by Horse Deals at
8:20 am
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