Equine Influenza – Qld Infected Properties

The QHRB was advised during the course of the EI outbreak of about 90 properties which were reported to have had horses showing symptoms indicative of Equine Influenza. Some of these properties were visited by veterinary officers of the DPI&F who confirmed horses were exposed to the virus. Other properties were visited by practicing veterinary surgeons, who also confirmed horses were exposed to this virus based on observed symptoms.
On the advice of the DPI&F, the remaining 59 properties not visited by veterinarians, were visited by QHRB officials and a veterinary surgeon to obtain a series of blood samples from horses on these properties to ascertain and confirm whether they had been exposed to this virus. Of the samples taken, analysis confirmed that 100% of the samples collected showed the presence of antibodies indicative of sero conversion as a result of infection from the Equine Influenza virus.
The DPI&F have now advised in the interests of horse welfare, and the racing industry, that for the purposes of racing in the future EVERY STANDARDBRED HORSE, that is to compete at an event, will need to have blood samples taken and analysed. Horses previously blood tested for viral sero conversion will not require further testing.
As such, the QHRB requires any person who reported a property as infected to complete the attached form (click on link below) advising the details of horses not previously tested which will need to have blood samples taken and analysed to allow these horses to race in the future. This information must be returned to the QHRB by Friday 14 December 2007.
Stallions, broodmares, retired horses or other breeds of horses do not need to be included in this form. Only horses racing or expected to race in the future (i.e. unnamed, weanlings, yearlings etc.) need to be notified.
Participants are advised that the blood sampling will be undertaken in the near future and failure to complete and submit this form may result in blood samples not being taken and therefore permission to race these horses being denied in the future. This information should be passed on if horses have since moved to other properties.
Further information on the commencement of this blood sample collection will be notified in the near future.
http://www.harness.org.au/qld/equine_influenza/Horse%20Survey%20Form.doc
07 December 2007