NSW DPI 18 October

SITUATION UPDATE

The suspect horses at Cowra and Temora have tested negative and the number of new IP’s in affected areas has levelled off over the last few days.

Whatever zone you are in, if you suspect your horse is infected with EI, you must legally notify NSW DPI on 1800 675 888 as soon as possible. It is very important for the control and eradication of this disease for any horse with suspicious clinical signs to be investigated, especially if it is outside the known infected areas.

Today’s statistics: 4750 Infected Properties (IPs); 451 Dangerous Contact Properties (DCPs); 465 Suspect Properties (SPs); a total of 5411 horses have been vaccinated in the buffer areas, with Local Vaccination Centres located at Mittagong, Gloucester, Dubbo, Wellington, Armidale, Forbes/Parkes, Mudgee, Temora, Woodenbong, Gunnedah, Scone and Tenterfield.

New deadline for entry into the Purple Zone
The deadline for horses to be moved into the Purple Zone has been extended. Horse owners in NSW now have until 31 October 2007 to move their horses into a Purple Zone on a permit. To apply for a permit contact your local Rural Lands Protection Board. Horses that are moved into the Purple Zone may not leave.

Vaccination
The Local Vaccinations Centres continue to make good progress in the Vaccination Buffers. New Local Vaccination Centres are being established at Scone and Tenterfield.Horses registered with the Equestrian Federation Australia and their stable mates will have access to vaccination if they have not already been infected and if they are in a Red or Purple Zone or a vaccination buffer.

Community meetings
New community meeting dates have been set for Grenfell, West Wyalong, Coolamon and Temora.
For information about community meetings and future meeting dates see:www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza/meetings