Well here it is from the Vic DPI!

Obviously "recreational" horse owners do not even comer into consideration. Vaccination is only to protect the racing industry and they don't give a stuff about anyone else supported bythe NMG which includes the EFA. Nice to see we are well supported by the people allegedly there to represent our interests.

"EI vaccines protect a percentage of vaccinated horses against developing clinical signs, however vaccinated horses that are exposed to the virus may still become infected and excrete the virus. As you may be aware, it appears that the entry of EI into Australia occurred when a vaccinated horse brought the virus into the country and infected other vaccinated horses.

Vaccination masks the presence of infection and allows covert transmission to occur. Given the importance of eradication to all sectors of the horse industry , vaccination needs to be used strategically to create buffer zones as is planned in NSW and Queensland, and to reduce the likelihood of EI interrupting Victoria's Spring Racing Carnival.

The National Management Group (NMG) is the committee responsible for national EI vaccination policy. NMG comprises the Chief Executive Officers of the Commonwealth and State/Territory departments of agriculture/primary industries across Australia, and also the heads of the peak bodies representing the horse industry.

In line with NMG decisions, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) position at this point in time is to only allow the use of EI vaccine in the context of reducing the likelihood of EI interrupting Victoria's Spring Racing Carnival. "

Horse Deals Reader