Ei information -another horse dies

Equine Influenze has claimed yet another horse's life. Yesterday, Oct. 9th., De-Sharvarll Arabians of Leichhardt Qld. had to have one of their most precious senior broodmares euthanized due to complications from E.I. infection. This has left her 6 day old foal orphaned and now fighting for survival with carers as well.

In spite of precautions all the horses at the Stud are infected with E.I. as are over 100 other horse owners and breeders in the Ipswich City area. We are told the flu virus is not lethal and that may well be, but to pregnant and/or foaling mares the complications from the severe wracking cough can cause intestinal and uterine torsion which is fatal. This mare was of pure Polish bloodlines and is irreplaceable for the Stud. Her loss is immeasurable in both emotional and economic costs. The foaling and breeding season at the Stud is compromised as stallions cannot be used, foals are at risk as are other senior horses no matter how healthy or in good condition they are. Official bodies dealing with this epidemic and the public need to be made cognizant of the fact that the biggest percentage of Australia's multi-billion $ Equine Industry is not the Racing sector. There are thousands of breeders and owners of horses other than Racing Thoroughbreds and we need equal recognition and reporting in this disaster that has been inflicted upon us.

Thank you.

Michael R. Semchison
M.Ed.St., Gr.Cert.Ed.[HE]
Equine Consultant
International Judge
DS Arabians