26,000 vaccines for Queensland non-racing sector

Queensland's non racing sector has been allocated additional vaccine sufficient for 26,000 horses, as part of the latest phase to eradicate equine influenza and get local businesses and horse events back on track.

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) spent yesterday consulting with the newly formed Performance and Pleasure Horse Industry - a group set up two weeks ago specifically to tackle issues arising from the exotic disease outbreak - with final details about the significant roll out of additional vaccine still to be finalised.

In line with the current process for allocation of vaccines in Queensland, horse owners in the Red Zone will still need to meet specific criteria, developed by the industry group in line with their top priorities, to be considered for the new vaccine allocation.

DPI&F Chief Veterinary Officer Ron Glanville has hailed the national decision to allocate the new vaccines an important step in helping the performance and pleasure horse industry to recover. It will also greatly assist in bringing this epidemic under control.

"Clearly, the decision to allocate vaccines for 26,000 horses is encouraging news for the 1000s of Queensland businesses, local associations and clubs who have been affected by Equine Influenza, but importantly, it also signals an end is in sight," Dr Glanville said.

"The Queensland Government and the Performance and Pleasure Horse Industry have worked very hard over the last two weeks to ensure the priorities of this sector are heard at a national level and these coordinated efforts have clearly paid off.

"Industry is now working on the logistics of how the vaccine will be rolled out and I encourage horse owners within the red zone who have not had Equine Influenza to visit the DPI&F website and get an application form in to the system.

"People also need to be aware that not all of this vaccine will be available straight away and that it will take some time to roll out this many vaccinations, so please be patient.

"Even though this is great news, it's important to remember that vaccination is not the be-all-end-all solution - in fact it's only one part of the national strategy that we're all working through to eradicate Equine Influenza.

"It's very important that all horse owners remain vigilant, continue decontamination and Biosecurity procedures, and stay informed about this highly contagious disease - this is critical if we are to achieve open horse movements by December," Dr Glanville said.

Even if horses have been vaccinated, it is still illegal to move horses in the Red Zone without a permit.

The Performance and Pleasure Horse Industry has been working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure the needs and priorities of the diverse group are heard.

A specific vaccination application form will be available on the DPI&F website shortly. To find out more about the current situation in Queensland or to learn about decontamination, visit DPI&F Equine influenza outbreak pages or call 13 25 23. The website also includes frequently asked questions about vaccination and its place as part of the overarching eradication strategy.