TAHMOOR AND THIRLMERE HORSE OWNERS

EQUINE INFLUENZA

1 November 2007

TAHMOOR AND THIRLMERE HORSE
OWNERS REMINDED TO REPORT SIGNS OF EI

Horse owners in the Tahmoor and Thirlmere areas have been reminded of their legal obligation to report any signs of Equine Influenza (EI) among their horses.

NSW DPI deputy chief veterinary officer, Ian Roth, said it was important for people to report any horses displaying signs of EI by calling the hotline 1800 675 888.

“There are about 40 properties in these areas already known to have horses infected with EI. Reporting horses showing signs of the disease will help stop it spreading,” Mr Roth said.

“Symptoms of EI include a sudden increase in temperature (38.5°C or higher) dry, hacking cough; and a mucous nasal discharge. Other signs can include depression, loss of appetite, laboured breathing, and muscle pain and stiffness.

“We need to know where EI is, so we can continue our work to contain and eradicate it. At this stage, we have contained EI to parts of NSW and now we are working to eradicate it within those contained areas.

“We can only win this battle if horse owners report EI signs, comply with horse movement restrictions and follow hygiene and decontamination procedures.”

Tahmoor and Thirlmere are in Red Zone, which means it is an Equine Influenza Restricted Area where horses cannot be moved without a permit.

“Horse owners and those in contact with horses need to comply to ensure EI does not spread out of control across the country, imposing the added cost of yearly vaccinations, the loss of some foals and older horses as a result of the virus as well as the continued discomfort experienced by infected horses,” he said.

Failure to report horses displaying symptoms of EI to authorities is an offence and people not doing so risk fines of up to $44,000 or a year imprisonment.