EFA SA
2 October 2007
EFA MOVES TO KEEP SA FREE OF HORSE FLU
The Equestrian Federation of Australia (SA) supports the cancellation/postponement of all horse events, clinics and training days until the end of the year.
EFA (SA) Executive Officer Angela Yeend said that it was hoped that the eradication program in New Wales and Queensland succeeded so that 2008 events could proceed as planned.
“It is very disappointing for organising committees to have to cancel their events,” Ms Yeend said.
“In many cases, a lot of work has already gone into the planning and substantial costs have been incurred but our first priority must be to contain the spread of horse flu.
“We expect our members and the members of affiliated clubs and associations to strictly adhere to the respective biosecurity guidelines.”
Ms Yeend said it was understood that some individuals and industry groups had called on the State Government to accept the fact that Equine Influenza was here to stay and that all horses ought to be vaccinated.
“The EFA (SA) believes that current efforts to contain and eradicate the virus must be given our full support,” she said. “While the current crisis is creating financial difficulties for many individuals and businesses, accepting vaccination as a fait accompli brings with it many other long-term costs, not just the cost of regular inoculation.
“The way our sport is run would change dramatically and impose ongoing burdens on organisers, administrators and participants. A return to an EI-free Australia is a much better option. So let's not throw in the towel as yet.
“Vaccination is not a total solution - it can mask the presence of the disease and can lead to the unsuspected spread of the virus. Outbreaks will occur even when large parts of the horse population have been vaccinated.
The virus mutates and can render vaccination ineffective.”
Regular updates will be posted on the EFA website - www.sa.equestrian.org.au
EFA fast facts:
• EFA (SA) is the peak state body for equestrian sport
• There are 1700 affiliated clubs and individual members of the EFA (SA)
• EFA sports include – show jumping, dressage, eventing, carriage driving, vaulting and show horse
EFA MOVES TO KEEP SA FREE OF HORSE FLU
The Equestrian Federation of Australia (SA) supports the cancellation/postponement of all horse events, clinics and training days until the end of the year.
EFA (SA) Executive Officer Angela Yeend said that it was hoped that the eradication program in New Wales and Queensland succeeded so that 2008 events could proceed as planned.
“It is very disappointing for organising committees to have to cancel their events,” Ms Yeend said.
“In many cases, a lot of work has already gone into the planning and substantial costs have been incurred but our first priority must be to contain the spread of horse flu.
“We expect our members and the members of affiliated clubs and associations to strictly adhere to the respective biosecurity guidelines.”
Ms Yeend said it was understood that some individuals and industry groups had called on the State Government to accept the fact that Equine Influenza was here to stay and that all horses ought to be vaccinated.
“The EFA (SA) believes that current efforts to contain and eradicate the virus must be given our full support,” she said. “While the current crisis is creating financial difficulties for many individuals and businesses, accepting vaccination as a fait accompli brings with it many other long-term costs, not just the cost of regular inoculation.
“The way our sport is run would change dramatically and impose ongoing burdens on organisers, administrators and participants. A return to an EI-free Australia is a much better option. So let's not throw in the towel as yet.
“Vaccination is not a total solution - it can mask the presence of the disease and can lead to the unsuspected spread of the virus. Outbreaks will occur even when large parts of the horse population have been vaccinated.
The virus mutates and can render vaccination ineffective.”
Regular updates will be posted on the EFA website - www.sa.equestrian.org.au
EFA fast facts:
• EFA (SA) is the peak state body for equestrian sport
• There are 1700 affiliated clubs and individual members of the EFA (SA)
• EFA sports include – show jumping, dressage, eventing, carriage driving, vaulting and show horse
posted by Horse Deals at
2:40 pm
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home