The Crystal Ball

The current decision to continue with containment is currently the right direction for NOW. The containment strategy must be given a timeline to mid November (yes after the Melbourne Cup) to determine if the containment strategy is working. The current situation we have across NSW & QLD now is one like ‘spot fires’ a new case of EI in a new area flares up, it is then rezoned and in lockdown. If spot fires can be eliminated we may just have a chance. By mid November we will know if we are winning the battle.

If the containment battle cannot be won then mass vaccination is next logical step to win the EI war. Mass vaccination for the estimated 300,000 horses in Australia would take a conservative period of 9 months to rollout. If mass vaccination is the next strategy equestrian competitions in Australia could recommence immediately and horse owners manage EI as they do with other equine illness’s now. If your horse has a runny nose, a hacking cough you stay at home – this occurs in countries such as the UK right now, their equine industry is not crippled, its booming. Once competitions recommence the ‘recreational industry’ will be up and running, large and small equestrian related business’s and services will survive and some sense of normality will return to our industry which desperately needs it.

Sally
SA