Mudgee horses in buffer zone for vaccination

04 Oct 2007

Local horses in the Mudgee district equine influenza (EI) buffer zone are to receive horse flu vaccinations, NSW chief veterinary officer, Bruce Christie, said today.

“Veterinary teams will soon be deployed to target horse properties in the zone and it will take more than seven days to have the buffer vaccinations completed,” Mr Christie said.

“Horse owners in the buffer zone are being contacted to pre-arrange a time for vaccinations to take place.

“We are appealing for local horse owners in the buffer zone to register their horses on-line at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza.

“Alternatively, they can contact the Mudgee EI vaccination centre, 6372 4897, which operates daily from 7am until 9pm, or the EI hotline on 1800 675 888.”

Horse owners can also register their horses using buffer zone survey forms which are available from NSW Department of Primary Industries, Mudgee offices of the Midwestern Regional Council and the Mudgee/Merriwa Rural Lands Protections Board.

Buffer zone survey forms and EI information will also be available from rural suppliers and resellers.

Only horses in the designated buffer area are to be given the vaccination to create a wall of immunity.

Mr Christie said owners have an option to move their horses under permit rather than have them vaccinated.

“Owners will receive an offer of $500 per horse to move their horses into the red zone under permit rather than have them vaccinated.

“The aim is to have all horses moved or vaccinated and create a buffer to stop the spread local of equine influenza.

“Co-operation from horse owners in the buffer zones is vitally important in the success of this campaign.”

Mr Christie said it was important to note that this vaccine is NOT the silver bullet, or the answer to all the problems thrown up by the EI outbreak.

Armidale horses in buffer zone for vaccination

04 Oct 2007

Local horses in the Armidale district equine influenza (EI) buffer zone will receive horse flu vaccinations, NSW chief veterinary officer, Bruce Christie, said today.

“Veterinary teams will soon be deployed to target horse properties in the zone and it will take more than seven days to have the buffer vaccinations completed,” Mr Christie said.

“Horse owners in the buffer zone are being contacted to pre-arrange a time for vaccinations to take place.

“We are appealing for local horse owners in the buffer zone to register their horses on-line at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza.