SA Horse flu public meetings

PIRSA and Horse SA are keen to ensure that horse owners across South Australia understand the implications of the current horse flu outbreak interstate.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley said another round of public meetings would be held to provide information to horse owners.

“The aim is to provide an overview of the current situation interstate and how this impacts on South Australia, the decisions that have been made and why, and to allow people to ask questions,” he said.

“We are currently asking people in the horse industry to cancel or postpone events until the end of the year if they can to ensure that SA remains free of horse flu.”

Dr Rahaley said that PIRSA would continue to monitor the situation closely and, if anything changed, would advise the industry accordingly.

“We also want people to continue to be vigilant and to check their horses regularly for runny noses, lethargy, coughing and high temperatures and to report such symptoms to PIRSA’s hotline 1800 675 888,” Dr Rahaley said.

Testing of horses with suspicious symptoms is done at no cost to the owner providing the procedures have been authorised by PIRSA.

Meetings organised to date include (All are evening sessions starting at 7pm):
Oakbank 15 October Oakbank High School
Strathalbyn 17 October Town Hall
Kadina 19 October (Kadina Football clubrooms - Copper Coast Leisure Centre)
Pt Lincoln 24 October Pt Lincoln Racing Club
Wudinna 25 October Wudinna Community Club
Clare 8 November Clare Golf Club

People wanting more information about horse flu and equestrian activities in SA can contact:
PIRSA website – www.pir.sa.gov.au
PIRSA hotline – 1800 675 888
Their equestrian clubs and associations
Horse SA 0402 488 306
Media contact: Kaye Noske 0401 121 444