Horse owners urged to keep reporting EI

Horse owners in purple zones in the Upper Hunter and Richmond areas are being urged to continue reporting horses displaying flu-like symptoms.

“While most people are doing the right thing and reporting sick horses we are still receiving tip offs that some horse owners are not reporting the illness,” NSW chief veterinary officer, Bruce Christie, said today.

“This is a legal responsibility of horse owners under the Exotic Diseases Act and is vital to stop any further spread of equine influenza (EI).

“Failure to report could have widespread and serious implications in terms of the eradication program.”

The maximum penalty for not reporting an ill horse is $22,000 and possible jail.
Clinical signs of EI include a deep dry hacking cough, a watery nasal discharge that may become cloudy or coloured, a sudden increase in temperature, depression, loss of appetite, laboured breathing, muscle pain and muscle stiffness.

Report ill horses to the NSW DPI hotline on 1800 675 888.

Meantime, it is essential for breeders to get their horses into the purple zones by midnight October 18.

“A permit system now in place allow stallions and mares to move into purple restricted areas for horse industry mating programs,” Mr Christie said.

The horses will stay inside the zone until the movement restrictions are lifted.

Zoning is a central component of the NSW Equine Influenza Protection Plan and provides greater flexibility across the State, allowing essential breeding to take place.

“The strategic zones are helping contain and eradicate the disease, while also allowing some movement of mares and foals to help the breeding and racing industries survive.”