MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANNED RECOVERY OF HORSE ACTIVITIES

Horse owners can plan recreational events starting in the New Year, amid signs of a decline in the number of Equine Influenza (EI) cases in NSW and Queensland, Victoria’s Chief Veterinary
Hugh Millar said today.
“Providing Victoria remains free of EI and if progress continues with eradication activities, we
expect all horse owners, riders, and breeders can start planning for the progressive recovery of
horse events throughout 2008,” Dr Millar said.
Dr Millar said events are expected to resume in Victoria as part of a staggered approach to
minimise risk and additional requirements will be finalised following a period of consultation
with peak bodies.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is working with event organisers to secure the 2008 premier harness racing event, the Interdominion, held from February to March 2008 and the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, held from 2 to 6 March 2008.
“We are considering biosecurity protocols with other states that may allow interstate yearlings to enter from NSW into Victoria from early February 2008 and feature in the Premier Sale.”
Dr Millar said further national quarantine protocols for some horse movements from areas
currently affected in NSW into Victoria could be determined within the next two months.
“With very positive signs now emerging from the containment and eradication program in NSW and Queensland, we hope events will begin to return to business-as-usual in the New Year and throughout 2008,” Dr Millar said.
“We recognise the threat of EI entering Victoria is still very real and we will mitigate risks for
upcoming horse activities to ensure our EI free status is not jeopardised.”
Dr Millar said it was crucial for horse owners to stay vigilant and help authorities keep EI out of Victoria as the industry enters a stage of recovery.
“We must stay alert as EI can strike horses or club activities at any time and may result in a costly vaccination program, new quarantine measures and create further hardship for horse owners who have already made enormous sacrifices.”
Dr Millar said the horse owning community had done a tremendous job in helping to keep
Victoria free of EI, and rigorous surveillance work will continue with strict biosecurity measures at all race meetings and events.


MEDIA CONTACT: Melissah Bell, DPI Media Unit, 0439 379 557
Media release From the Department of Primary Industries Victoria
Friday, 9 November 2007