Vaccination policy makes us a laughing stock: Vet

"We are the laughing stock of the world over this," Roberts said. "Why do we have to use the genetically modified vaccine?"

Roberts claims Australia has been far too slow in responding with any effective measures and maintained the use of "killed" vaccine would have been a much better option.

"There's no shortage of killed vaccine which is very effective in reducing the clinical effect of the virus to a very mild and transient disease which is overcome in a couple of days in most instances," Roberts said.

"And, importantly, the paperwork is fast tracked."

On Friday night at Rosehill, five vets - including Roberts - went through the laborious vaccination procedure that demands documentation with stewards present. He treated 56 to 58 horses.

"I did 1200 on my own in South Africa," he said.

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