Equine influenza daily update - 5 December 2007

We are making a high priority to get events running again without risk of further disease spread.

The national requirements for moving between zones have not yet been finalised. This delay is very frustrating for everyone. When available we will post the requirements on the website.

We expect that there will be substantial quarantine periods (2 to 3 weeks) required before movement is allowed back to a less infected zone. The quarantine periods will be longer for vaccinated horses than for previously recovered horses reflecting the better immunity of recovered horses.

Vaccinating in red, amber and green zones

The NSW DPI is currently working on a policy and procedure to vaccinate horses from outside the purple or buffer zones that need to go the purple zone for sales, competitions or relocation. In summary, owners will apply to their vet who sends the request form into the Industry Liaison section of the DPI.

DPI approves an allocation of vaccine which the vet obtains from a veterinary wholesaler. Vets will administer vaccine and microchip the horse. All this will be at owner expense. Request forms are expected to be on the DPI website next week.

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