PIRSA Equine Influenza Meeting - Mt Gambier
In South Australia we have had two meetings so far regarding Equine Influenza. The first held in Adelaide and the other in Mt Gambier, the town in which I am situated.
Unfortunately due to the last minute decision to hold the Mt Gambier meeting, not as many people attended as expected, with Mt Gambier being a large recreational horse area as well as being a Mecca for racing in country SA.
The meeting was held by PIRSA on Thursday 5th September, at the Mt Gambier RSL and was conducted by Dr Rob Rahaley, SA Chief Veterinary Officer. There were approximately 50 people in attendance. I was amazed that of all those who attended there were only two people representing the racing industry, somewhat disappointing.
The information from Dr Rahaley informative and current, straight from the horses mouth, so to speak.
• Approximately 3000 horses are reported as infected in NSW
• EI has a 5-6 day incubation period before signs of the disease are seen
• EI stays in the nasal passage and respiratory system of humans for 48 hours
• The virus can travel up to 1km in wind
The scary thing is that humans are capable of carrying EI for up to 48hrs. This fact should have been communicated sooner as a primary reason for the spread could be humans, rather than airborne infection or horses coming into contact with other horses.
Another interesting point raised at the meeting, is that the racing industry is permitted to hold race meets. Dr Rahaley assured attendees thorough checks were conducted on all stables prior to any event being held. However, it is difficult to know where trainers, jockeys, officials etc had been prior to the day and therefore I personally am concerned that the infection could be carried that way.
The boundary of my property is less than 300m from the Glenburnie Race Course. The organisers did not notify of the race meeting (held Thursday 5th September). If there is an outbreak in this racecourse, it is possible all my horses will be at risk.
It is important that event organizers understand if they choose to hold an event during this EI period and there is an outbreak of the disease, the organising association is liable for all costs associated with quarantine and support until the infection is quashed.
Competing riders also need to know if an outbreak occurs at an event, all riders and the organisers can be fined up to $20,000. I believe this is a good reason not to travel or attend events until more is known about the situation.
Thanks to PIRSA and all related departments/organisations for their efforts in keeping the equine community informed and the outbreak out of South Australia, so far.
Not only is it costing the entire equine industry a lot of money, but who would want to risk the health of their horse with a disease like this?
Cheers,
Kerrie Bowman
Fourwinds Performance Horses
Unfortunately due to the last minute decision to hold the Mt Gambier meeting, not as many people attended as expected, with Mt Gambier being a large recreational horse area as well as being a Mecca for racing in country SA.
The meeting was held by PIRSA on Thursday 5th September, at the Mt Gambier RSL and was conducted by Dr Rob Rahaley, SA Chief Veterinary Officer. There were approximately 50 people in attendance. I was amazed that of all those who attended there were only two people representing the racing industry, somewhat disappointing.
The information from Dr Rahaley informative and current, straight from the horses mouth, so to speak.
• Approximately 3000 horses are reported as infected in NSW
• EI has a 5-6 day incubation period before signs of the disease are seen
• EI stays in the nasal passage and respiratory system of humans for 48 hours
• The virus can travel up to 1km in wind
The scary thing is that humans are capable of carrying EI for up to 48hrs. This fact should have been communicated sooner as a primary reason for the spread could be humans, rather than airborne infection or horses coming into contact with other horses.
Another interesting point raised at the meeting, is that the racing industry is permitted to hold race meets. Dr Rahaley assured attendees thorough checks were conducted on all stables prior to any event being held. However, it is difficult to know where trainers, jockeys, officials etc had been prior to the day and therefore I personally am concerned that the infection could be carried that way.
The boundary of my property is less than 300m from the Glenburnie Race Course. The organisers did not notify of the race meeting (held Thursday 5th September). If there is an outbreak in this racecourse, it is possible all my horses will be at risk.
It is important that event organizers understand if they choose to hold an event during this EI period and there is an outbreak of the disease, the organising association is liable for all costs associated with quarantine and support until the infection is quashed.
Competing riders also need to know if an outbreak occurs at an event, all riders and the organisers can be fined up to $20,000. I believe this is a good reason not to travel or attend events until more is known about the situation.
Thanks to PIRSA and all related departments/organisations for their efforts in keeping the equine community informed and the outbreak out of South Australia, so far.
Not only is it costing the entire equine industry a lot of money, but who would want to risk the health of their horse with a disease like this?
Cheers,
Kerrie Bowman
Fourwinds Performance Horses
posted by sammond at
4:45 pm
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