Support businesses affected by horse flu this Christmas

With Christmas just a couple of weeks away, spare a thought for businesses that rely on the horse industries that have been doing it tough because of horse flu.
These include saddlery shops, produce merchants, equine service providers such as farriers, equine dentists and veterinarians, and transport companies.
Equine influenza Horse Industry Liaison Officer Jane Myers encouraged horse owners and the general public to show their support this Christmas.
“Many of these struggling businesses would really benefit if shoppers purchased gifts, gift vouchers or even pre-paid vouchers for services that can be used once movement restrictions are lifted,” she said.
"While the horse industries are on the way to recovery from horse flu, some of the businesses that support these horse industries may not unless their trade picks up soon.”
The seven regionally-based Horse Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs) are working in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPI&F), the Queensland Performance and Pleasure Horse Industry Group and the Department of Communities, to assist all sectors of the horse industry that are suffering hardship as a result of horse flu.
The ILOs are running a series of workshops in areas in the South East Queensland Red Zone to make horse-related businesses more aware of the grants and other financial assistance packages that the State and Federal governments are offering.
Jane said while government assistance was very important, the best solution was to get more customers through the doors.
"If every horse owner and a handful of other local residents purchased just one Christmas gift from say a saddlery shop or some supplies for their pet dog from a produce store this year, the cash flow generated may help many businesses survive the horse flu crisis,” she said.
"There really is light is at the end of the tunnel with some easing of movement restrictions in Queensland taking effect on Friday, 7 December.
“In the meantime, we're asking Queenslanders to show their community spirit by helping fellow Queenslanders who are facing an uncertain Christmas.”
More information on equine influenza and contact details for all Horse Industry Liaison Officers are available on the DPI&F website www.dpi.qld.gov.au