EI public information meetings at Tamworth and Gunnedah

Community meetings to keep the public fully informed on progress being made to eradicate equine influenza (EI) has been scheduled to run at the Tamworth Community Centre on Thursday October 18 at 2.00pm and Gunnedah Town Hall on Friday October 19 at 9.30am.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has teamed up with local veterinarians, horse industry representatives and Rural Lands Protection Boards to deliver EI information relevant to the local area and answer questions from horse owners.

NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Ian Roth, said topics to be discussed would include buffer zone vaccinations, location of infections, biosecurity and disinfection, testing procedures and details of how the outbreak is being managed.

“We understand EI is having a huge impact at the local level and we want to respond to community concerns,” Mr Roth said.

“About 80 per cent of all horses in NSW are used for purposes other than racing and restrictions on the movement of horses and horse products in the early days of the campaign have been tough on people who were unable to ride their horses or attend events.

“The meetings being run across NSW are designed to inform the local community and deliver the latest information in an open, friendly environment.”

According to Mr Roth the meetings will give people the facts and dispel some of the myths, as well as provide an opportunity to ask questions of the experts.

“Accurate information about the disease and how it is spread will empower horse owners, and allow us to work together to get on top of EI in NSW,” he said.

Details of meetings to be run throughout NSW are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza or by calling 1800 675 888.