Only some Dubbo horses to get EI jab

02 Oct 2007
Up to 600 local horses in the equine influenza (EI) buffer zone near Dubbo will receive horse flu vaccinations, NSW chief veterinary officer, Bruce Christie, said today.

“Veterinary teams are being deployed to targeted horse properties today and it will take at least seven days to have the buffer vaccinations completed,” Mr Christie said.

“Currently there are eight infected properties near Dubbo, including the first outbreak site near Brocklehurst.

“NSW DPI has established a local vaccination centre at the Dubbo RLPB office and has inducted veterinarians on how to use the vaccine.”

Mr Christie said horse owners in the buffer zone are being contacted to arrange a time for vaccinations to take place.

“We are appealing for Dubbo buffer zone horse owners to register their horses either on-line or by contacting 1800 675 888,” he said.

“I must make it clear from the outset that NOT every horse at Dubbo will be vaccinated.
“Only horses in the designated buffer area will be vaccinated to create a wall of immunity.”
Mr Christie said owners have an option to move their horses under permit from the area to another property in the red zone.

“Owners will receive an offer of $500 per horse to move their horses rather than have them vaccinated,” he said.

“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.”

The vaccine will NOT be made available to each and every horse owner in NSW, but will be used for disease control in nominated buffer zones.

Some doses will also go to protect high value, at risk horse populations within restricted areas. Industry representatives are identifying these high value, at risk horses requiring vaccination.
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.