Horse industry welcomes change

Horse SA is recommending horse owners and event organisers check the Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) web site regularly to keep up to date with changes.

PIRSA announced last week that:
• The permit system for transporting vaccinated and non-vaccinated horses into South Australia from non-infected states would change to a Horse Health Statement
• Riders/owners wanting to attend equestrian events will be required to obtain an Event Participation Declaration.
• The permit system for events will continue, but with changes to help equestrian organisations resume activities.

Horse SA Executive Officer, Julie Fiedler, said that it was important for all in the horse industry be aware of the changes.

“The horse industry has worked with PIRSA to develop effective security measures that will facilitate a progressive resumption of horse activities by January 2008,” she said.

“To that end, we each have a role to play to ensure that we understand and abide by the changes to keep South Australia free of horse flu.

“Given the huge impact horse flu has had on SA’s horse industry even though we’re are not an infected jurisdiction, it is critical that events that receive permits for 2008 have the highest level of biosecurity and contingency planning possible.”

HorseSA