Vaccine calls flood in - patience needed in fight against EI

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is appealing for horse owners to be patient as it rolls out a targeted vaccination across NSW.
“Some people are reporting problems getting through to the 1800 number and our vaccination centres,” NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Steve Dunn, said today.

“A huge jump in the number of calls being received has resulted in lengthy delays in some instances – mostly from people wanting to register their horse or ask questions about vaccinations.

“The announcement of vaccinations in the buffer zone has raised expectations that all horses will be vaccinated when this is simply NOT the case.

“Owners in the designated buffer zones have responded to calls for them to register their horses and the majority are doing so on-line.

“However, others without internet access must either ring the disease hotline or numbers advertised for EI vaccinations centre.

“Every attempt is being made to answer and process calls promptly and people can help by making sure they can answer questions about the property where each horse is kept, including the Lot or DP number from the rates notices.”

Mr Dunn said the massive undertaking to capture information about people’s horses was unprecedented and was proving a challenge.

He said it would take more than seven days to complete vaccinations in each of the EI buffer zones and there was no reason to panic.

People can register their horses either on-line at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza or by contacting 1800 675 888.

They can also contact their local EI vaccination centre at:

Follow this link for these numbers.