Outraged of Armidale

Well-known Riding Pony breeder, exhibitor and judge, Deborah Bell from Armidale in NSW considers the dissemination of information regarding EI in her area “appalling, especially if you don’t happen to be on the internet, which I am at the moment about ten times a day. I rang up the local ABC radio station and explained that I had someone let out from Narrabri just two kilometers away and if that horse became infectious, my horses could get it here. They really thought Deborah from Armidale was a dubious caller, until a man rang in and said I was right. The general level of knowledge about EI and its very contagious nature is not good and there is no doubt bio-security measures have been breached.

“I don’t think people realise how desperately serious it is for studs. I have 50 horses here including five stallions and broodmares. If they get a sufficiently severe bout of EI, the mares can abort and the stallions become impotent for a length of time. We are in a slightly happier position here as we are not entirely dependent on income from the horses, but I sell about a dozen ponies a year and have about half a dozen broodmares in, and it all contributes. Who is going to be liable for the vet bills if EI gets in, and quite a few of us have sought legal advice about the situation.

“On the internet blog, people are saying we must stop attributing blame. But what we must do is take a step back and look at the situation, and people must be held accountable. I heard on the ABC that AQIS blamed the Randwick outbreak on one person who went there from Centennial Park. The Randwick outbreak is due to AQIS mismanagement. And if you step back from that you have the shuttle stallions, only here because the Thoroughbred industry does not accept AI. I heard a leading light from the Thoroughbred industry on national radio the other day, explaining that they could not have AI because then you would have 500 horses by the one sire. I had visions of a stallion going around the countryside spraying ejaculate; it’s just a ludicrous argument. They say AI Thoroughbreds won’t be accepted internationally, which is true. But Australia has a large Thoroughbred industry (in fact we have the second largest number of registered Thoroughbreds in the world), surely we have some say on the international stage.

“We have to find out where the breakdown was and if it is attributable to a government agency, then they are just going to have to wear it. We are no longer a nice island, we are part of a global village and must act accordingly”.

Latest Updates....or not!!?

It is obvious over the last couple of days, external EI information & updates has slowed down dramatically.

So to try & guage what is happening, I thought I’d phone the National helpline & let you all know what the latest information is on the situation.

There is no longer a National helpline though, you have to type in the number of the state you are calling from then you get directed to that states DPI office.

I just want a general update & lots of people I know have horses too & genuinely want an update of the situation, I started with SA.

Firstly the lady directed me to their website for all info & when I said I don’t have access I was able to get some info.

The permit situation for SA is being discussed in a meeting tonight with managers of PIRSA & the outcome will be known Monday.

I asked if email updates were still being sent because I haven’t received any for a while & she wasn’t sure but said it is presumed that everybody just knows about it now because we are in week 3 of the EI outbreak.

I asked if they are placing ads in Newspapers & the lady said that they ran an ad in The Advertiser for 2 weeks & isn’t sure if that will be continuing but that is all she could tell me because she wasn’t at a level that makes the decisions.

I tried NSW next, thinking that this is the most affected state so should get the most news. Pressed number 1 for NSW & I get "your call is placed in a queue…".

I have options though while I’m on hold, go to their website, hold & speak to an officer or press # to leave a voicemail message, I choose to hold & currently my call is number 2 in the queue....

Yay I’m now number 1...

6 minutes later my call is transferred to an officer. I asked for a general update of the EI situation, this lady only wanted to direct me to the NSW DPI site.

I asked if there are still outbreaks being reported (then she asked if I was from the media) her answer was they are still getting calls reporting new cases but go on the DPI site & they are all listed.

The lady asked if I have access to the internet, I said no & can’t today, she didn’t know what to say then & said well it’s all on our site & there’s a lot of info to go thru, so maybe just ask me a question and I’ll try & answer it.

Is there still a ban on horse movement?
Yes don’t know when it will be looked at.

Can you get email updates sent to you?
No we don’t have that facility, just go onto our site.

For areas that are affected, there is a map available on-line but she did mention a few locations that are affected.

This officer could not tell me anything & just kept directing me to their website, even after I said I didn’t have computer access. Really if you don’t have Internet access you wouldn’t know any information.

This time I pressed 2 for QLD...QLD has nice classical music to listen to while you’re on hold!

4 minutes later a get put thru to an officer where I got the 20 questions
-my name, how you spell it, first & last
-where I’m calling from
-what town I am from & which state is that in
-do I have horses
-do I want to move horses

This lady did try & give you info, even if she was just reading it from their site, at least it was something. She explained that there are 2 zones in QLD now & that South East QLD is the main area affected. Only in emergency situations can horses be moved but in the controlled locations they are starting to give out permit eg- for people mustering but they can only move from one property to another that the same person owns.

Still no horses can be brought into the state & obviously moved out.

They have no idea when the ban will be lifted but she thinks as there are now 2 zones the controlled zone may get lifted soon as they have split it into the zones but they really don’t know at all.

If you go to the DPI QLD site you can register to receive email updates & she directed me thru this process & how to find the website.

After ringing 3 states & not getting very far & taking up a lot of my time, I didn’t think it was necessary to go thru the same scenario & ring another 3 times for TAS, VIC & WA.

If you have some information relating to EI that the rest of Australia would be interested in or would learn from, please put it on this blog!

Thanks,

Jesse

Equine Influenza Response Remains on Track

To view this communique in its entirety Click Here

The National Management Group (NMG) addressing the Equine Influenza outbreak
has re-affirmed its view that equine influenza can be contained with a view to
eradication, with current control measures remaining effective.

The group has asked its scientific and technical advisory body, the Consultative
Committee on Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD), to develop scenarios to project
the future trend of the outbreak based on reasonable assumptions.

This work should help response agencies, industry and recreational horse owners
develop a clearer picture of how much longer stringent biosecurity and movement
restrictions may need to be maintained.

The NMG has also issued a paper on vaccination Equine Influenza Vaccination in a
Containment and Eradication Situation to help inform stakeholders and the public
debate on the issue. Prepared by the CCEAD, the paper outlines technical facts
about vaccination and key issues for considering vaccination as a control measure.
Contingency planning for the possible future use of vaccines is being undertaken.
CCEAD will prepare a risk analysis on key issues, focusing on possible triggers for
vaccination use and strategies for employing it.

Meanwhile, the need for maintaining current standstill requirements and biosecurity
measures will be reinforced through an advertising and direct mail campaign
targeting peri-urban landholders.

The campaign will highlight the importance of the standstill measures in force in
NSW, Queensland and the ACT, and critical biosecurity measures including personal
hygiene around horses, limiting access to animals, keeping watch for signs of the
disease, and reporting suspected cases.

NMG is comprised of the Chief Executive Officers of the Commonwealth and
State/Territory departments of agriculture/primary industries across Australia, and
also the heads of the peak bodies representing the horse industry.

To view this communique in its entirety Click Here

Equine Influenza Info from Dr Nathan Anthony, Anstead Vets

EQUINE INFLUENZA – INFORMATION FOR HORSE OWNERS

Download this comprehensive video footage - Warwick horses with EI symptoms - and refer as per the article below
Tip: To save a file to your computer, right-click the underlined link and select "Save Target As".

Equine Influenza (EI) virus is rapidly spread by the respiratory route especially when there is close direct contact between horses. Infected horses excrete the virus in their expired air for up to 15 days after initial infection and coughing contributes to the spread. There is no long term carrier state. Equine influenza virus survives in the environment for up to 36 hours but is easily killed by cleaning and disinfection. Infection can be spread by contaminated horse transport floats, equipment, bedding and personnel. The windborne virus may spread for up to 8km.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF EQUINE INFLUENZA (See attached video)

After having experience with 252 cases of EI at Morgan Park Warwick, my clinical impression of the disease is as follows:

TEMPERATURE
Infected horses develop elevated rectal temperature greater than 38.4 degrees Celsius. Most are around 39.5 and the highest recorded was 40.8. It is important that temperature is monitored twice daily as horses will cycle between normal (approx 37.5) and elevated over the course of the day. Infected horses will maintain elevated temperatures for 1-5 days.

COUGH
Most horses with EI will cough. The cough is a characteristic dry, harsh and hacking cough. Some horses will only cough 2 or 3 times a day. Other horses will cough frequently. Coughing is generally worse when eating hay or hard feed. Refer to the attached video.

NASAL DISCHARGE
Nearly all horses with EI develop a watery nasal discharge. Some horses will develop thick snotty noses. Refer to the attached video.

DEMEANOUR/BEHAVIOUR
Some horses with EI will be obviously depressed and lethargic. They may not eat hard feed or have reduced intake. Some will seem muscle sore.

If you detect these symptoms consistent with Influenza you should contact your Veterinarian or the DPI (13 25 23).

HOW CONTAGIOUS IS EI?

This disease is EXPLOSIVELY contagious. Morgan Park yielded 100% of 252 at risk horses.

HOW LONG DOES THE VIRUS LIVE FOR?

Examples of virus survival times are:
· Hard, non-porous surfaces like plastic: 24-48 hours
· Cloth and paper: 8-12 hours
· Canal water: up to 18 days

Thorough cleaning with soap or detergent and water and disinfectant easily kills the virus.

TREATMENT FOR INFLUENZA

Some horses will require no treatment. Horses with persistently high temperatures may require anti-inflammatory drugs to lower temperatures. Some horses will require antibiotic treatment for secondary bacterial infections. An attempt should be made to keep sick horses in the shade and out of bad weather. Do not exercise infected horses as this will worsen their respiratory status.

COMPLICATIONS FROM INFLUENZA

Some horses may develop pneumonia. Those at greatest risk are the young foals and the very old. Extra care and attention is necessary for at risk horses.

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH EI IN QLD?

To my knowledge there have been no fatal complications. All 252 horses in Morgan Park currently have survived.

CAN PEOPLE CATCH EI?

No. The transmission of EI to humans under natural conditions has not occurred in any previous outbreaks of EI worldwide.

HOW IS INFLUENZA CONFIRMED?

Blood tests and nasal swabs are necessary for definitive diagnosis. The Government covers the costs of these. However, consistent clinical signs and close proximity to a confirmed property is often enough.

WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD FOR EI?

My experience at Morgan Park indicated 2-6 days; that is that horses exposed to virus will show clinical signs within this time frame.

HOW LONG IS AN INFECTED HORSE CONTAGIOUS?

It is reported as 15 days.

IS THERE A CARRIER STATUS?

That is to say will my horse recover and still have the potential to infect other horses? The answer is no.

WILL MY HORSE BECOME INFECTED AGAIN?

Infection with this strain of EI will result in immunity, although not for life. Therefore, if challenged again by the same virus in the near future your horse will not redevelop the disease.

CAN I VACCINATE MY HORSE TO PREVENT THE DISEASE?

No vaccination is available in Australia for commercial use at this time. If the disease becomes extensive, national wide and cannot be controlled, biannual vaccination will be instituted.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION IN BROOKFIELD?

There are many confirmed properties in Brookfield; currently greater than 20 and growing daily. It is likely that the many of the Brookfield horses will become infected. The DPI will reconsider quarantining individual properties and will likely assume that the Brookfield and Kenmore Hills equine population is infected.

HOW IS IT SPREADING THROUGH BROOKFIELD?

It is my opinion that the majority of spread is associated with either close-contact horses or via airborne transmission. It seems that at this stage that airborne carry for 500-800 metres is likely. Experimentally, airborne virus may spread up to 8 kms. However some cases would have resulted from infected equipment and personnel.

WHAT ABOUT PULLENVALE AND BEYOND?

It is hoped that the the geographical and urban barriers may prevent spread from Brookfield and Kenmore Hills, however there is risk of person to horse spread. In my opinion if significant directional winds develop, Pullenvale will be at considerable risk and subsequently neighbouring areas.

WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN ROSEWOOD AND MINDEN?

There are multiple infected properties in this area and the numbers are increasing daily.

WHAT CAN I AS A LOCAL HORSE OWNER DO?

1. Monitor your horses daily for clinical signs and report suspect cases to your Veterinarian;
2. Do not go onto other horse properties and minimise access of the horse owning public on your property;
3. If and where possible, locate your horses centrally on your property;
4. Obey the State wide movement restrictions;
5. If you have contact with suspect properties, follow strict decontamination guidelines.

SHOULD MY FARRIER COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?

No. Cancel any existing appointments.

SHOULD MY HORSE DENTIST COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?

No. Cancel any existing appointments.

SHOULD MY HORSE CHIROPRACTOR/PHYSIOTHERAPIST COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?

No. Cancel any existing appointments.

SHOULD MY RIDING INSTRUCTOR COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?

No. Cancel any existing appointments.

SHOULD MY VETERINARIAN COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?

Cancel any existing appointments for routine work eg. dentistry, vaccinations. Your Veterinarian can attend sick or injured horses. We will endeavour to treat all properties as potentially infected and as such we will wear protective clothing and decontaminate.

WHY IMPOSE A STANDSTILL OR MOVEMENT RESTRICTION?

A standstill will minimise the spread of disease and the hope is that the virus will burn out. At this stage the standstill has been revoked, HOWEVER it has been replaced by a restricted area across the whole of Queensland. It is still illegal to move your horse without a permit and police are enforcing this law. You will be aware that the police are located on Brookfield Rd, Gap Creek Rd and Rafting Ground Rd 24 hours a day.

AM I ALLOWED TO RIDE MY HORSE ON THE ROAD OR IN THE FORESTS?

No. The standstill applies for ridden horses also.

CAN I GET PERMISSION TO MOVE MY HORSE?

Permission can be sought through the DPI (Ph 13 25 23) on welfare grounds, eg. Transporting to a Veterinary Hospital.

WHY ATTEMPT TO ERADICATE EI?

Vaccination is not completely effective, the disease is highly contagious and on welfare grounds.

WHAT DOES THE VIRUS DO TO MY HORSE?

The virus damages the respiratory tract, that is the lung tissue and windpipe. Secondary bacterial infection can result.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?

It is suggested that it takes 30 days for repair of this tissue. For equine athletes, a subsequent 30 days is also advised prior to the recommencement of work.

HOW DO I DECONTAMINATE MYSELF?

EI is a fragile virus and is easily killed. Simply soap and water or detergents will kill the virus. If in contact with a suspicious horse, it is recommended that you change clothes and boots, shower with soap, and shampoo hair. Avoid contact with horses for 48 hours.

HOW DO I DECONTAMINATE MY EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES?

Thorough cleaning with soap or detergent and water and disinfectant can easily kill the virus. The virus is killed by exposure to sunlight for 30 minutes.

FOR HOW LONG IS PROPERTY QUARANTINED?

Morgan Park will be quarantined for a period of 30 days after detection of the last clinical case. A similar although perhaps longer timeframe will be in place for infected properties in our community.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DISEASE IS NOT SUCCESSFULLY ERADICATED?

If infection becomes widespread, nationwide and is considered uncontrollable Australia will adopt a system of twice-yearly vaccination and we will live with periodic outbreaks.

Finally, I urge everybody to remain vigilant, obey the laws and recommendations, but remember that windborne spread is beyond our control. Monitor your horses closely for signs of the disease and report suspect cases immediately.

Dr Nathan Anthony BVSc (Hons)
Equine Veterinarian

ANSTEAD VETINARY PRACTICE
Family Pets & Horses
Cnr Mt Crosby & Hawkesbury Rds, Anstead QLD 4070
Ph: 07 3202 7300
Fax: 07 3202 8387

Dr Nathan Anthony BVSc (Hons)
Dr Ann Blackburne BVSc (Hons)
Dr Sue McConnachie BVSc (Hons)
Dr Tori McGuire BVSc (Hons)

Download this comprehensive video footage - Warwick horses with EI symptoms - and refer as per the article below
Tip: To save a file to your computer, right-click the underlined link and select "Save Target As".

Time to Stop Blame Game

So the principal of Lyndhurst Stud at Warwick believes that people from Morgan Park the initial source of EI in Queensland had helped spread the disease ( Mr Jeff Kruger’s words as printed in the courier mail on Friday
14/09/07 page 25).

With attitudes like this it is no wonder that there is animosity from some sections of the Thoroughbred industry toward the rest of the horse industry. We are all suffering at the moment some more than others
And trying to lay blame at fellow horse owners will not achieve any thing.

Mr Kruger should be directing his frustration towards the failure of the Australian quarantine system and put pressure on the Australian Government to tighten up quarantine procedures.

Phillip Aikenhead
Jimboomba

Pony In Limbo

A good deal of the excitement for well-known NSW showing personalities, Greg Gerry and Daren Telford regarding the recent purchase of a Riding Pony stallion has turned to angst in the last two weeks, as the delightfully named Turberry Tom Kitton, by Cusop Dimesnions out of a full sister to Kitty Kelly still languishes in the quarantine station in England.

Greg (pictured) explains;-

“We bought the pony in June and he went into quarantine towards the end of July and was due to fly out to Eastern Creek on the 25th August and be released from quarantine on the 11th September.

“We had heard there was a situation in quarantine before anyone advised us, as people we know went to collect a horse and were turned away. We were advised on the 25th of the situation. So now our pony is stuck in quarantine at our expense until such time as they clear a quarantine station in Australia and he can be sent this way. The biggest frustration for us is that every time frame has been changed with no real communication. IRT have been very good, but they have had their hands ties as well.

“We are being told now that quarantine in Victoria will be clear by the last two weeks of September. The plan now is fly him in to Melbourne and he will stay with someone there. At this stage he might have had two crops of foals, been broken in and shown, before we can get him back! It could be worse as we are not in a situation where we were hoping to use him this season.

“What does complicate the issue is that all the horses in quarantine are positive for EI as all have been vaccinated, which does not encourage AQIS to release them.”