750,000 horse flu vaccines
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran has today announced that the Federal Government has agreed to the purchase of a further 500,000 doses of vaccine for Equine Influenza (EI), bringing the total number of doses of vaccine available for the EI control program to 750,000.
“Following close consultation with state and territory governments, and representatives of Australia’s horse industries, I have authorised the purchase of additional vaccines,” Mr McGauran said.
“Taking into account the need for booster shots, the 750,000 vaccines will make it possible to vaccinate some 300,000 horses, if need be, by the end of the year. “The majority of the vaccines will be used in New South Wales and Queensland, which remain the only states with confirmed cases of EI. However, targeted vaccinations will take place in non-affected states and territories, as has been the case in Victoria and the ACT,” Mr McGauran said.
Mr McGauran noted that there had been calls from both the West Australian and Tasmanian racing industries for vaccinations to be made available even though they are EI free but no request had been made by either State Government.
“To date, the focus has been on vaccinating high value horses, located in infected areas, as well as securing a buffer zone, to prevent the further spread of EI,” Mr McGauran said.
“We are now in a position to move to the vaccination of competition and show horses, to get the industry back on its feet as soon as possible.
“The current restrictions on horse movements and competitions have had an enormous impact on thousands of Australians. From local pony clubs and agricultural shows, through to the Australian Olympic team’s preparations, and racing and harness industries.
“It is important that horse activities and events can resume as quickly as possible, while maintaining our strategy of containment and eradication.
“I thank all horse owners for their patience, during what has been, and will continue to be testing times.
“Our priority remains on containing and eradicating this insidious disease from Australia, and every effort is being made in this regard. This requires the full co-operation and support from every participant across Australia’s horse industries,”
Mr McGauran concluded.
17 October 2007
“Following close consultation with state and territory governments, and representatives of Australia’s horse industries, I have authorised the purchase of additional vaccines,” Mr McGauran said.
“Taking into account the need for booster shots, the 750,000 vaccines will make it possible to vaccinate some 300,000 horses, if need be, by the end of the year. “The majority of the vaccines will be used in New South Wales and Queensland, which remain the only states with confirmed cases of EI. However, targeted vaccinations will take place in non-affected states and territories, as has been the case in Victoria and the ACT,” Mr McGauran said.
Mr McGauran noted that there had been calls from both the West Australian and Tasmanian racing industries for vaccinations to be made available even though they are EI free but no request had been made by either State Government.
“To date, the focus has been on vaccinating high value horses, located in infected areas, as well as securing a buffer zone, to prevent the further spread of EI,” Mr McGauran said.
“We are now in a position to move to the vaccination of competition and show horses, to get the industry back on its feet as soon as possible.
“The current restrictions on horse movements and competitions have had an enormous impact on thousands of Australians. From local pony clubs and agricultural shows, through to the Australian Olympic team’s preparations, and racing and harness industries.
“It is important that horse activities and events can resume as quickly as possible, while maintaining our strategy of containment and eradication.
“I thank all horse owners for their patience, during what has been, and will continue to be testing times.
“Our priority remains on containing and eradicating this insidious disease from Australia, and every effort is being made in this regard. This requires the full co-operation and support from every participant across Australia’s horse industries,”
Mr McGauran concluded.
17 October 2007
posted by Horse Deals at
9:39 am
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home