EI UPDATE - The Sydney Royal Horse Show will go on

Media Release 30 November 2007

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) is pleased to announce that horses will return to the ring in 2008. “Entries for the Show have remained strong throughout the Equine Influenza crisis, and following talks with the NSW Department of Primary Industries we are now in a position to accept them,” RAS President, Mr Rob Vickery, said today. “However, exhibitors will have to meet strict criteria.”

Horses accepted from the purple zone;
• Resolved (had the disease and recovered) OR
• Vaccinated with the Canary Pox Virus
• Blood tested to prove immunity within eight weeks of the Show
• Microchipped

Horses accepted from other zones within NSW and interstate;
• Resolved OR
• Vaccinated with the Canary Pox Virus
• Blood tested to prove immunity within eight weeks of the Show
• Microchipped
• Appropriate NSW DPI travel permits allowing travel by approved route
• Have a travel plan and permit to return home post show
• Have demonstrated quarantine arrangements post show if disease outbreak occurs

Further to these criteria, exhibitors will be required to abide by strict on site bio security measures. All DPI regulations in force at the time of the show must be followed.

It must be stressed that the responsibility for meeting the above conditions rests with the
exhibitor. The RAS will not accept liability under any circumstances. “I urge all exhibitors to refer to the NSW DPI website to ensure they meet the current travel and quarantine arrangements, which may alter between now and the Show,” said RAS Horse Committee Chairman, Mr Graham Davey. “The RAS will not under any circumstances compromise the DPI’s EI eradication process.”

Interstate horses will be subject to their home state arrangements and exhibitors will need to liaise with their local authorities to determine whether they can travel across state boarders and return home.

With a reduction in the number of shows during the period of the EI crisis, the RAS understands it will not have been possible for exhibitors to have gained the level of qualifications which have been required in previous years. “Therefore the requirements for some classes will be eased, however some horses will not qualify.” said Mr Davey.

A telephone information line will be activated on Monday 3 December. The hotline number and further details will be available from midday on Monday at www.sydneyroyal.com.au then follow the link to the Sydney Royal Horse Show.
Exhibitors are also advised to visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au for updates on EI.

Further information; Philippa Lampe - RAS Media & Public Relations Manager
(02) 9704 1453 or 0419 483 407 plampe@rasnsw.com.au