2007HORSE FLU – THE BIGGEST RISK IS THINKING IT’S OVER
FROM THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTUREDATE: Friday, December 21 2007 The Brumby Government launched the second phase of its Equine Influenza (EI) advertising campaign today to keep Victoria EI-free.
The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper, said since the end of the Spring Racing Carnival, many Victorians think that horse flu is no longer a threat – but this certainly is not the case.
“The biggest risk is thinking the risk is over,” Mr Helper said.
“We are ramping up our EI campaign at a crucial time when the risk of an outbreak is heightened by increased movement across borders during the busy holiday period.”
Key elements of the public information campaign include regional TV and radio advertising, a targeted media campaign focussing on major horse activity areas, billboards urging people ‘Not to cross the line’ and letters to 18,000 horse owners.
Mr Helper said the second phase of the advertising campaign will strengthen the October-November campaign stressing ‘Take horse flu seriously before it takes its toll’.
He said the second phase of the campaign urges the public to remain vigilant and to closely follow biosecurity measures to prevent an outbreak.
“New advertisements will appear in newspapers and on radio, television and outdoor billboards
to explain the vital role the public continues to play in keeping Victoria EI-free,” Mr Helper said.
“It is important that we continue to maintain full hygiene procedures to protect our horses and our livelihoods.
“Complacency is now our greatest threat and we plan to intensify this message for any individual who owns a horse or comes into contact with horses.
“To keep Victoria EI-free and to avoid lockdowns, long-term disruption to equestrian events and costly on-going vaccination and hygiene protocols, we still need your help.
“New protocols are being developed to relax horse movements across the NSW/Victorian borders in early 2008, but the horse industry can only make a full recovery if people remain vigilant in their efforts to keep Victoria EI-free.”
The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper, said since the end of the Spring Racing Carnival, many Victorians think that horse flu is no longer a threat – but this certainly is not the case.
“The biggest risk is thinking the risk is over,” Mr Helper said.
“We are ramping up our EI campaign at a crucial time when the risk of an outbreak is heightened by increased movement across borders during the busy holiday period.”
Key elements of the public information campaign include regional TV and radio advertising, a targeted media campaign focussing on major horse activity areas, billboards urging people ‘Not to cross the line’ and letters to 18,000 horse owners.
Mr Helper said the second phase of the advertising campaign will strengthen the October-November campaign stressing ‘Take horse flu seriously before it takes its toll’.
He said the second phase of the campaign urges the public to remain vigilant and to closely follow biosecurity measures to prevent an outbreak.
“New advertisements will appear in newspapers and on radio, television and outdoor billboards
to explain the vital role the public continues to play in keeping Victoria EI-free,” Mr Helper said.
“It is important that we continue to maintain full hygiene procedures to protect our horses and our livelihoods.
“Complacency is now our greatest threat and we plan to intensify this message for any individual who owns a horse or comes into contact with horses.
“To keep Victoria EI-free and to avoid lockdowns, long-term disruption to equestrian events and costly on-going vaccination and hygiene protocols, we still need your help.
“New protocols are being developed to relax horse movements across the NSW/Victorian borders in early 2008, but the horse industry can only make a full recovery if people remain vigilant in their efforts to keep Victoria EI-free.”
posted by Horse Deals at
12:56 pm
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