Temora EI vaccination to be completed today

23 Oct 2007

The final horses in the Temora and Barmedman equine influenza (EI) buffer will have receive their first EI vaccination shot today.

NSW DPI said overwhelming cooperation from local horse owners has enabled the vaccination of 1138 horses and one donkey to be completed in only nine days.

“We have had up to six vaccination teams working continuously to stop the spread of horse flu in the Temora area by building a buffer of immunity around seven properties with infected horses,” NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Steve Dunn, said.

“NSW DPI has employed 13 temporary staff to assist with the Temora vaccination program, including assisting vaccination team vets and liaising with local horse owners.

“Most of these people work in the horse industry and their income has been affected, so this is a welcome opportunity to earn some money while helping their industry get back on its’ feet.

“I must stress, however, that good hygiene and movement restrictions remain vital to efforts to contain and eradicate EI.”

The second round of vaccinations is scheduled to begin in early November.

First round of EI shots delivered to Dubbo horses

The last of almost 2000 horses in the Dubbo equine influenza (EI) buffer will have received its first EI shot by end of business tomorrow.

NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Steve Dunn, said up to seven veterinary teams supported by staff at the local vaccination centre have been working to complete the first round of vaccinations since October 2.
“They have vaccinated everything from zebras, Przewalski horses, Persian onagers, 20 donkeys, children’s ponies, draft and working horses to thoroughbreds,” Mr Dunn said.

“We have received overwhelming support from the Dubbo community for the efforts of local veterinarians, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Rural Lands Protection Boards staff to vaccinate horses.

“The priority for vaccinations in buffers has been established to contain the disease within the known infected areas.

“Good hygiene and movement restrictions remain vital to efforts to contain and eradicate EI.”

A second round of EI shots will soon be delivered to horses in the Dubbo buffer to complete the vaccination process.