Finally Out

On the 19th of September we spoke to Joan Bell who had just been informed that her imported Riding Pony Stallion, Ainthorpe Graceful Sonnet, would be spending at least another 30 days in quarantine at Eastern Creek. However, all has changed and “Billy” was released today. We contacted Joan to get the full story.

“Last week we were sent the following email, advising us that we could apply for a permit to take our horses from Eastern Creek into the purple zone of NSW.

Broadcast email 10am, Friday, 21 September 2007 This email is for all those with a horse held in the Eastern Creek Quarantine Station In Sydney (ECQS) The swabs collected on Tuesday, 11 September have resulted in 50 negative results with 2 requiring retest. The swab & blood results from samples collected on 14 September should be received shortly. Meantime, negotiations are underway between AQIS & DPI to allow horses/stallions at ECQS to be moved to one of the recently established Purple Zones in NSW (i.e. EI infected zones where movement is allowed). This of course is useful for those who have farms in a Purple Zone & wish to commence breeding their stallions/s.



In addition, for those horses wishing to return to their country of origin discussions are underway with the destination countries over the conditions for return. For those who do not live in a Purple Zone & do not wish their horse to be returned to the country of origin, they can either remain at Eastern Creek or find agistment at a property in a Purple Zone. By moving to standard agistment in a Purple Zone this should at least reduce the cost of holding their horse in NSW while the EI outbreak runs its course & horse movement gets back to normal.

Then on Monday we were sent this email;
Broadcast email 8.30am Monday 23 September 2007 This email is for all those with a horse/stallion currently held in the Eastern Creek Quarantine Station In Sydney (ECQS) NSW DPI confirmed late on Friday that release of the horses/stallions from ECQS into a Special Restricted Areas (SRA orb Purple Zone) will be permitted subject to : 1. Each horse/stallion being given an EI vaccination/booster prior to departure from the station. 2. Issue of a DPI permit showing specific conditions relating to the movement/transport of the horse/stallion to an SRA. AQIS is working closely with NSW DPI to arrange for the vaccination of the horses expected to be released into SRA's. IRT believes the vaccine should be available on Monday afternoon allowing the horses to be moved, subject to permit, soon afterwards. Any application for a movement permit from the DPI should be direct to : Genevieve Leonard

“We spoke with Helen Chugg of Diamond B Stud (she is so lovely, I have been dealing with her all week) about sending Billy there but then Michael Christie recommended we send him to Edwina Cullen who has a small property and would be able to give him lots of hands on attention, so we decided to go there. We were advised that he would be released Wednesday and then that was changed to today. We were organizing to have Billy transported to Edwina’s but then she said that she would pick him up for us.

We were sent the following email about the pick up arrangements;

Dear Elia & Joan,
We would like to confirm the road transport arrangements for the collection of the following horse with release from quarantine scheduled for Thursday 27th September. The horse is to be collected from the EASTERN CREEK AQIS Animal Quarantine Station, 60 Wallgrove Road, Eastern Creek, NSW at 6:30am on Thursday 27th September and delivered as stated below. AQIS have requested that every effort be made to collect the horses at this time. Please note these arrangements have been made under IRT's general conditions of trading, further copies of which will be supplied on request. All horses handled at the Owner's risk.
Horse:
Delivery Address:
Truck/Driver Details:
AINTHORPE GRACEFUL SONNET 1998 BAY RP STALLION
EDWINA CULLEN
DRIVER: EDWINA CULLEN
Please note the following conditions:

• The truck/float must be presented at Eastern Creek Quarantine Station (ECQS) in a clean condition.
• The truck/float must be disinfected under AQIS supervision prior to entering the horse compound at ECQS.
• The driver must wear AQIS issued protective clothing and shower in and out of the horse compound.
• The truck/float must be disinfected under AQIS supervision prior to leaving the compound at ECQS.
• No equipment may leave ECQS until inspected by a quarantine officer and treated as directed.

“Edwina had to have her brand new car sprayed both going into and out of Eastern creek. They said that the spray was very corrosive, so she had to wash the car out inside and out when she got home. Edwinda showered going in, and then had to change into AQIS protective clothing and then she had to shower and change again when leaving.

“The horses left this morning in convoy after all being vaccinated again yesterday. On exiting the quarantine center the vehicles were inspected and sealed and escorted by a DPI officer. Edwina followed a truck heading to the Chuggs, (a Shetland and eventer were going there) along the M7 to Richmond Road where they parted, and Edwina, escorted by a DPI Officer, continued onto here property at Galstone. Edwina is in the purple zone, but so far does not have EI on here property, but is surrounded by it.

“Some of the shuttle stallions started leaving on Monday, to go either to the purple zone or back to Europe. We have been told that the horses in the purple zone may need to remain there for up to six months. As far as I know all the horses from the quarantine station have now left except for an Irish Draught stallion. His owners live in a red zone and are fighting to have him taken home rather than go on agistment in the purple zone. We have been told that the cost of staying at the quarantine centre was a $100 per day but that is still to be sorted out.

I am so glad Billy is finally out. Today I purchased some rugs from Horseland for him and wanted them delivered, but was told they could not do deliveries into the purple zone, so Edwina had to pick them up. We are very grateful to Edwina, as she has been so helpful. I hope to fly up and see him on the 6th of October, Edwina keeps telling me he is beautiful. I will let you know!”

URGENT MESSAGE : WE NEED YOUR HELP (Australian Horse Industry Council)

You need to ring or email the NSW MInister urgently. In NSW the Minister, Ian Macdonald is receiving extreme pressure from requests from the thoroughbred racing and breeding interests. The Minister is essentially supportive but needs some evidence to balance the pressure from the big money lobby. No matter where you are this is important.

It would help greatly if you could all contact the minister to make some points (as many as are relevant to you and modify as you see fit). We would not ask you to do this if it was not highly important and urgent. Please act now to send emails and ring and leave a message tonight and ring back tomorrow. Please send a copy of any emails to secretary@horsecouncil.org.au and faxes to (02) 5229 8244.

You are a owner / rider / shop owner / farrier / etc and your life is very involved with horses / you depend on them for income etc. (Just say how you are involved with horses. This will give an indication of the range of people involved outside racing)

As a person that is not involved with racing you object to the preference being given to thoroughbred interests. That you would like the Minister to continue to control and eradicate Equine Influenza in NSW.

This is a National program and the control depends on NSW successfully controlling the disease. You support the idea of buffer zones and strategic vaccination to contain the disease.

You would like to see movements freed up inside the containment area as soon as possible so that things can return to normal and the costs of movement restrictions can be eased.

That if the disease is declared as endemic to Australia you, as a recreational owner, will be forced to vaccinate your horses and that because your horses are not as valuable as a racehorse the cost to you will be proportionally higher.

That if Governments decide to call off the disease control effort without the support of the majority of horse owners that the Australian Horse Industry Council would be justified in refusing to pay any costs of disease control as required under the Cost Sharing Agreement.

Stop pandering to the thoroughbred lobby.

Please send to:

The Hon. Ian Macdonald
Level 33 Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000

Email: macdonald.office@macdonald.minister.nsw.gov.au

Phone (02) 9228 3344
Fax (02) 9228 3452

The Hon Ian Macdonald MLC Minister for Primary Industries
Locked Bag 21, ORANGE, NSW 2800

Australian Horse Industry Council

Vaccine may be too late for Newcastle

Racing NSW Chief Steward Ray Murrihy has concerns the Equine Influenza (EI) vaccine, due to touchdown in Sydney tonight, will not arrive in time to save the Newcastle training centre at Broadmeadow.

Read more.

DPI Qld

Thursday 27 September: The total number of infected premises (IPs) has increased 420. This now includes Albion Park trotting complex, and the Hendra and Deagon race course precincts. A community information centre will open soon at Hendra.

Read more!

Spread via feed?

Hi,

I want to raise the question of whether this disease can be spread via bales of hay or bags of horse feed??

I have 2 horses here on my small property which have NOT been anywhere since last December, nor have they had any contact with other horses or their saddlery.

My 2 y/o filly developed a runny nose and a cough yesterday, she is still eating ok and doesnt have a high temperature. My local vet didnt seem too interested and said to just keep monitoring her temperature and watch if she goes off her feed.

What a bad situation if our horses are getting sick from the feed we give them now!! Can you tell me if anyone else has mentioned feed as a possible transporter??

Regards,
Jenny.

BALLARAT A & P SOCIETY MEDIA RELEASE

BALLARAT A & P SOCIETY MEDIA RELEASE
27th September 2007
HORSE EVENTS POSTPONED DUE TO EQUINE INFLUEZA
ALTERNATIVE SHOW EVENTS PLANNED

The Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral (B.A.P.S) today has officially announced that all horse events for the 2007 Ballarat Show scheduled for 9th, 10th and 11th November have been cancelled, due to the potential risks associated with Equine Influenza (E.I.). The Society will now be looking at rescheduling the event to 23rd and 24th February 2008.

The Committee’s decision was based on information received from Victorian Agricultural Shows Ltd and Department of Primary Industry in regards to Bio-Security Guidelines for holding Equestrian Events and Best Health Practice for Holding Equestrian Activities. The Society believe they are acting in the best interest of the Horse Industry.

Although there are no reported cases of E.I. in Victoria to date, the Society feel the risks are too high in proceeding with horse events and have considered what would be expected of them in the occurrence that a suspected case be detected, or worse still a confirmed case.

The logistics of contingency plans and possible litigation which may arise should the event be affected by a movement Restriction Order were also taken into consideration.

The Ballarat Show will proceed as usual and will have a strong line-up of animals including an
ALL AUSTRALIAN HOLSTEIN DAIRY CATTLE FEATURE on Sunday 11th November. Other livestock and bird activities planned include, Poultry, Beef Cattle, Sheep, Budgerigars, Rabbits, Dairy Goats, Yard Dogs and the award winning Animal Nursery.

A popular component of the Show, are the rides. The Victorian Showmen’s Guild have indicated they will be bringing some of Australia’s newest and most impressive rides and sideshows, sure to thrill show patrons. A wide variety of Showbags will be present as well a great line-up of entertainment on the main stage and well as the Woodchop Competition, Australian Birds of Prey Show, Snake Handlers Show, Fly Ball Competition and much more.
The Committee are certain that the Show will be an outstanding success and will be planning alternative Show Events in the absence of horses, surely to please show patrons.
For further information please contact.

Gerard Ballinger
Director
Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society
Phone 5338 1877

Libs call for ban on horse sales.

The Victorian Opposition says horse sales in Victoria should be banned, amid fears they could bring equine influenza to the state.
Horse sales at Echuca in the state's north east are scheduled over the coming weeks.

Read the full story.

Horse flu continues to spread in SE Qld

New cases of horse flu have been found in two more areas in south-east Queensland.
Authorities have confirmed new cases at Pilton and Ma Ma Creek on the Darling Downs, while another case is suspected at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast.

Read more.

What do we do while we wait?

Well, what to do? We are coming to the end of week 4 of EI 'shut down' and still no light at the end of tunnel.

For the first couple of weeks most people in our area were still ‘working’ their horses at home but this last week I have noticed that we have all stopped and pretty much turned horses out. I also noticed during the first couple of weeks that our local saddleries in Tamworth were still reasonably well supported but on a trip to Tamworth on Wednesday they were empty and down to skeleton staff. It makes me sad to think that this disaster (and it is a disaster) can and no doubt will (if it hasn’t already) cause the ruination of many lives not related to the racing industry.

And all that the government (both levels) seem to be concerned about is their ‘precious’ racing industry.

Each day there are reports of hundreds of new cases of EI but the DPI & Minister for Ag keep telling us that they have it under control & that the movement ban & sanitary precautions are 'working'. There are over 10,000 cases in NSW now just in the Sydney, Hunter Valley & Nth West 'corridor'. This is a very small part of the state and when you look at a map so you can understand why they might 'think' that they have it under control when the reality is that they don't really know if it is contained. They are probably just hoping.

I think the thing that is really getting up horses owners noses is the all the 'special' concessions being made to race horse owners & breeders! They are being allowed to transport horses from one race track to another in Sydney tomorrow to race! They are going to be allowed to transport mares to stallions in the HV for breeding purposes but the rest of the horse community can just suffer because obviously we aren't as important and they seem to think that we don't generate as much income into the economy.

We are in the 'red' zone even though we are at least 40kms from our nearest cases in any direction. However because we are directly in between the Hunter Valley and Tamworth we have been included in this restricted area.

At first all I wanted to be able to do is go out for a ride up the road (not far) however even if this was possible now I can't because I can't get anyone to shoe my horse that is now due. We are now going to have to pull his shoes off ourselves tomorrow and trim him back as best we can hoping that he suffers no lasting damage going bare foot. Thankfully our other horses are used to being bare foot and we will be able to just keep their feet ‘tidy’ til we can get a farrier again. We are in an area with no infection but still according to DPI guidelines if a farrier is to come & shoe or trim horses he has to go through as many sterile procedures as an orthopaedic surgeon doing a ‘joint replacement’ (any medicos out there will understand what I mean) AND he has to do this for every property he enters & leaves. No wonder they (the farriers etc) are just quitting and getting other jobs. With the DPI requirements there is no way they could do enough horses to pay the bills!

For 35 years my life has revolved around horses, in between work & other commitments. The last couple of years since I gave up work it has been pretty much wholly focused on horses with me buying a couple of ‘doer uppers’ each year to work & sell so as to finance my ‘keepers’ (those horses we have to keep). I have just sold a lovely mare to a lady in Vic. And yes she (the mare) is still here now on agistment for an indefinite time. This is a small hardship for us really although I should have purchased another horse by now to be working on during this time. I am sad for the lady who has bought this mare because she still hasn’t seen her in the flesh. I have offered for her to come up & stay for a week to at least see & ride the horse she has bought however this is her busiest time at work & she can’t get away. After the first week of the ban I recommended that the lady get the mare insured just for peace of mind. The first thing that the insurance company told her was that they weren’t covering for EI. Surprise! Surprise!
I’m sure that there are stories like this all over the state and country. People are affected in ways that the government can’t even imagine because they have no real concept of the horse industry or the people and businesses it involves.

So again what do we do with ourselves? Because we can’t get farriers & the like for our horses it is not even possible to continue training at home for when we do get to go out & compete again. And where is the motivation anyway when we can’t even get a time line. Christmas has been bandied about as a possible date but how can they know? 4 months (from beginning of ban) is a long time in the horse industry especially when it’s the breeding season (for everyone not just the race horses!!!)

So what do we do with ourselves? Well I got a couple of nice horse models for my birthday on the weekend (I’m a bit old I know)……….maybe that could be the start of a new ‘hobby’ but certainly not a ‘way of life’ as the real ones are. They are definitely cheaper to buy & don’t need feeding but………………………….somehow I don’t get the same ‘buzz’ from them.
So Mr McGauran, Mr McDonald please tell us what we are supposed to do with ourselves?

KC
Wallabadah

Who has the right?!

Who ever you are out there that has made the decision for me about whetheror not my horse is eligible for vaccination could YOU please contact me? Iseemed to have misplaced your email / letter!!!
Who is playing God out there and deciding that my horses ( especially theone who has already had severe pneumonia so is high risk) ARE NOT GETTINGTHE VACCINE!????

I have not yet been asked or even given a choice. I have not had any updatesfrom the DPI since the Brisbane RACEHORSES got EI.
There is still NO WORD to us in the non racehorse-horse industry in regardsto when we will get vaccinated.

Due to where I live I am in the RED zone, not my choice, I DO NOT WISH MYHORSES TO GET EI JUST BECAUSE OF THE SUBBURB I LIVE IN!!!If you won't let me leave my property with my horses and go to a clean areawell away from here then YOU MUST vaccinate my horses and many, many othersin the same position.

We are at "their" mercy.
Sharon , Woodford.

Who determines the value?

I would like to draw everyone's attention to the newly updated FAQs on the QLD DPI website.

What horses will be priority for vaccination that are not covered in the vaccination zones?

The national and state policies on the vaccination of priority performance or high-value horses is under development in consultation with major stakeholders.All horse owners should register their horse ownership with the DPI&F online A system will be developed for owners of high value horses to request vaccination. This system is not yet operational.Vaccination of high value horses and horses in the buffer zones will have equal high priority. The first high value horses likely to be vaccinated are race horses at racetrack precincts. Vaccination will commence soon after the vaccine arrives in Australia - probably after Saturday 29 Sept, 2007.

Will all horses be vaccinated?

No. Under the buffer zone plan those horses in the buffer zone will be vaccinated. Vaccination is being undertaken in strategic areas to restrict the spread of the disease. A plan for vaccination of horses of high-value is being developed.

Can my horse be vaccinated if it is a high risk case e.g. had severe pneumonia in the past?

No. Only horses in the buffer zones around known EI infected areas will be vaccinated. Vaccination is being undertaken in strategic areas only to restrict the spread of the disease.

Anyone else see anything wrong here? That's right your much loved horse's health is worth less than one that is currently racing. A racehorse that could breakdown this week and be dogged the week after. And even if your horse is high risk...still no chance. How does the DPI prioritise these things? Yes money talks but that non-racing industry contributes a large amount to the economy as well. All we hear reported is that the priority is to save racing before we face economic disaster. Well what is financially crippling and excluding the non-racehorse sector is going to do?

It is clear that the plans for containment and eradication have long since left their minds. If your confident buffer zone vaccination will eradicate the virus, then why vaccinate racehorses?

I'm urging everyone to speak to your local MP, speak to the media and make yourselves heard. They can't ignore everyone.

I for one would not like to tell my niece that her 28 year old pony didn't make it through because it was not worth vaccinating. I have nothing against the racing industry, they're just doing what they can for survival also. But I have everything to say about those who only see their plight.
Layne.

WE ARE NOW OLD NEWS

I HAVE JUST SPOKEN TO A NEWS REPORTER ON ONE OF OUR COMMERCIAL STATIONS IN SYDEY . ALL I ASKED WAS THAT HE LOOK AT THIS WEB SITE TO SEE HOW EI IS AFFECTING ALL OF US. I WAS POLITE BUT HE WAS INSTANT THAT EI HAD BEEN GIVEN 'SATURATION COVERAGE' AND THAT 'THE RACEING INDUSTRY WAS THE 3RD LARGEST INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA AND DESERVERD COVERAGE' BUT IN HIS OPINION WE RATED NOTHING.

I WON'T MENTION NAMES AS I DO NOT WANT TO INVITE LEGAL ISSUES. MY HORSES ARE NOT INFECTED AND THE NEAREST CASE IS 100KLMS AWAY, BUT I AM FIGHTING FOR A VOICE FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE FINANCIALLY DOWN THE DRAIN. I AM HOPING THAT MR.... READS THIS WEB SITE AS I REQUESTED AND TAKES SOME ACTION. I AM NOT HOLDING MY BREATH. SINCERE THANKS TO HORSEDEALS,WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU GUYS! P.S. I'VE EMAILED KERRY O'BRIEN AT THE 7.30 REPORT TOO. MAYBE THE ABC WILL LISTEN WHEN THE OTHER ONE...WELL HERE'S HOPING.

REGARDS AND LUCK TO YOU ALL.
PENNY.

SE QLD & NE NSW

I would like to thank Horse Deals for your website and your public information portal. We have all been touched in some way by EI and when I read the comments posted by many on the blog site, I can’t help but sympathise and empathise for the dilemma.

Here in Victoria, I am ashamed to say that somewhere along the line DPI and the State Government have got it completely wrong. I wrote a letter to the Ed to our local paper and it was published albeit it had to be shortened. I got somewhat passionate about what I termed an apparent set of double standards operating whereby race meetings were being conducted all over the state and many of them have noting whatsoever to do with the Spring Racing carnival. Trainers are bringing horses over from South Australia for a gallop and many horses are unlikely to ever see the hallowed turf at Flemington. I am not disputing that horse racing doesn’t deserve to go ahead given that the racing industry is fully supporting their trainers, tracks and riders not to mention the income derived from betting. However, the double standards operating assumes that the risk to race horses is somehow less than for ordinary ponies? Most ag shows are now cancelled. It is bad enough for our qualifiers – kids who can hardly afford to feed their horses let alone buy new gear who are trying to qualify for events in whatever field; but our little ag shows in every country town across the state, in areas already hit by drought, are now cancelling horse events. Their whole town income from that one event is now under threat for some of them. Meanwhile racing continues.

I agree with Angela and a number of other posters who think that it is high time that every ‘recreational horse owner’ make a stand to their local MP and to their State Government. A series of public statements from horse owners is now vitally important. I read with interest and some alarm that many horse related businesses are going to the wall (a post from a trainer is a case in point) Can I ask if you would consider printing some of these very poignant and real stories in the pages of your next edition of Horse Deals so that we can all buy the mag and read the real truth? Many people don’t have access to the internet either and they would appreciate being able to read some of the stories that we can access so freely.

I would like to add further that the party line put about by successive DPI sites regarding vaccination and eradication (usually these are one vet’s opinion) has incurred more than just my wrath. This country really has to get a grip and horse owners need to lead the way I think. There is nothing like negative public sentiment to attract media attention so let’s do this in number. First, this flu is nothing more or less than like a human flu except that it is EXOTIC to this country. This means that no animal has any natural immunity so has to be given it. Vaccination is necessary. Surely people in high places cannot be so silly as to think, in all probability, that the risk of this getting out into our horse population from a quarantine station was remote???? The law of probability says that it will – because human error will at some point be involved which is why people like me are employed. To work out the risk and take some measures to try and reduce it. As for equally silly people thinking that eradication is still the best way forward – may as well try and stop a raging torrent with a fork. The flu is here and like human flu, will require vaccination to prevent the debilitating symptoms knocking a horse off its feet completely. May still get the flu but won’t be as bad. Other countries around the world have been doing this for years for goodness sake and with a lot more success than this effort to date. Now different factions are arguing over who deserves to get the vaccine first!

Secondly, the level of whole of industry consultation has been so poor I wonder that if we didn’t have access to a site like Horse Deals, none of us would know what to believe and what to act upon. Clearly DPI officials can be as ill informed as the rest of us. The very people we require to assist us when we all really need advice, information and reassurance has been far from effective and certainly has not been efficient. I note that here in Vic the EFA, RAS, PCAV and HCAV have met and have made some pretty far reaching decisions affecting the rest of the state – they have not consulted as widely as necessary. Camp drafting has not been asked to attend anything, nor have any of our branches of the Stock horse Society unless we were unaware that we were! I daresay that all horse related groups can be asked to attend everything but these meetings are being held in isolation from racing interests (who wouldn’t care anyway) and with DPI who I believe are ill informed at best.

I thank you for your time and attention,
Karen Harrison

Armidale EI

Well EI is now in Armidale in the area I am told that the infected property is close to the Gorge. The Gorge country has Brumbies running freely through it and we also have very windy weather so it is unlikely that we will contain EI in Armidale. This current strategy of containment has not worked and will not work against such a cunning and invisible disease. It is time to change our strategy because the so called current cure is worse than the disease itself.

Kind Regards,
Scott Sears

Can we truly eradicate EI from our shores?

At the beginning of this debacle nobody was a bigger supporter or believer than I, of the directives and assurances from the respective authorities, even if it took months, but after 5 weeks of being cultivated like a mushroom (kept in the dark and fed BS) I don't think we have a prayer. I know that the AHIC asked us to all act as a unit and support the racing industry but sitting meekly by and waiting for them and the authorities to throw us a bone, well it's just not going to happen. Racing authorities are acting with so much self interest that they were allowed to operate as if they were some species apart and have now suffered the consequences, unfortunately making the situation much worse for everybody. And even then they tried to blame somebody else in the horse industry!

But I've got off track. Let's look at the facts. First, the relaxation of the quarantine rules, making it possible for shuttle stallions to function. Now I know that the benefits have spread to the rest of the horse industry (please, can we all think up another name for the "pleasure" horse industry) but AQUIS would never have softened quarantine for the rest of us mugs. And I think the pain of the next 12mths is going to wipe out any gains we might have made on their coat tails.

And let's look at what we've learned about this virus and see if, even without quarantine breaches, we really had a prayer of keeping it out. It is now accepted, even by the DPI, that it can and will be carried airborne for up to at LEAST 2km, one cough can carry it 30 mtrs. It certainly makes a mockery of the 5mtr double fencing rule required for Australian standards for both home grown and overseas approved centres. Oh, don't forget that it also has to be 20mtrs from an area where horses outside the quarantined area can be exercised. Yep, that'll make a big difference.

And I can't see the existence of shuttle stallions going away, let's face it, the thoroughbred industry might be on shaky legal territory by their exclusion of AI, which would allow us to go back to stronger quarantine regulations, but the only people who have the resources to mount a legal challenge are making a bucket load of money from the shuttle stallions.

Then we have vaccination and those elusive buffer zones! Well, seriously, even if all the 150,000 vaccines (that's 75,000 horses) arriving in the next few weeks were going to be used exclusively for the buffer zones, and none of it hijacked for use in the racing industry or special interest groups, we still wouldn't have enough. Have you looked at the size of the red zones, there's hundreds of thousands of horses there, many still without the virus. There's no point saying that it only covers 10% of Australia, 60% of Australia is desert. So in real terms the virus is in 25% of the area where horses might possibly be, but in real terms the figure is much, much larger, affecting some of the most horse dense and productive land that we have.

So there you have it, no chance of truly creating an effective buffer zone and no chance that we are really going back to the 6mths quarantine, so that it is inevitable that it will escape again. And now I hear one of the main architects of this marvelous AUSVET plan (I'm ashamed to say a fellow Queenslander) has gone on holidays. Yes, I'm sure the last few weeks have been stressful for him, and yes he had paid for his tickets, but surely the DPI could have let him go at another time. Or perhaps let him go altogether?

Sorry, a nasty streak coming through! All in all, it seems the most dangerous thing about this virus is the very compromised plan to eradicate it!

Debbie Dekker

Mykbee Diva

I wonder what would happen if Australia's favourite horse Mykbee Diva come down with EI? Would Johnny Howard and the Federal Government finally do something decent? And realise that cash in hand was slipped to someone at Eastern Creek to get that stallion to a mare - maybe the stallion was going to be served to the Diva?

These so called grants only benifit the race horse industry. Why? Because Johnny Howard is loosing money on all the taxes that come from betting!

All horse owners that are effected by EI should be treated the same way!!!!! Beacuse lets face it, all of these 4 legged animals where once a pet before they became a business.

Best wishes to all the people and horses affected
Kerry

Horse Deals EI Blog

Below is an article I have written for the local newspaper The Daily Examiner in Grafton, northern NSW, which sums up some of my more diplomatic thoughts on the impact of EI on the horse industry in Australia. I am scandalised by the media and government focus on the racing industry, and my less diplomatic thoughts are probably not printable in a public place! In addition to the article below, I have contacted the Sydney Morning Herald (no response of course) deploring their travel journalists promotion of horsing riding as a fun pastime for city slickers. Aren’t these journalists aware that trucking horses to the beach at Lennox Head and riding horses through the Watagan Forest is currently illegal??? Apparently not!

Unfortunately I had space restrictions or my rave would have been longer. If anything is useful, please feel welcome to cut and paste from my rave below to contact your government representative or the powers that be in Canberra.

I had wanted to focus on something positive for the horse industry this week however everything from Pony Club in South Australia to racing in Doomben is postponed until 2008. The return to racing at Coffs Harbour is probably the lull before the belated storm of EI reaching the North Coast which will further prolong movement restrictions.

The non racing sector is extremely disappointed and becoming increasingly angered by the national media focusing exclusively on the impact of EI on the racing industry. Let me provide a more balanced view of the impact of EI and correct some misconceptions arising from Wednesday’s Daily Examiner front page story No Horsing About.

No one said the thoroughbred industry was only 20% of the horse industry in NSW. And no one said that “penalties do not apply in Amber zones if people break the rules.” Rob Byrne explained to the DEX that Bio Security protocols are highly recommended in Amber Zones but are not enforceable and therefore are not subject to penalty, except for horses travelling to races under permit. The implication is that it just takes one careless person not following recommendations for the disease to take off here. No one implied that there are no penalties in Amber Zones for breaking movement orders or failure to report sick horses.

Everyone acknowledges that the racing industry is a significant contributor to Australia’s GDP. However it is estimated by the RIRDC that only 20% of the horse population in NSW are thoroughbreds and the other 80% of horses and their owners are largely ignored. This region has one of Australia’s highest levels of horse ownership per capita, and these horses are largely stock horses and other breeds. According to the statistics quoted in the RIRDC report on the Horse Industry’s contribution to the economy, if you take wagering out of the equation, the non racing horse sector contributes more to Australia’s GDP than the racing sector. While the racing sector is reported as being on its knees, the non racing sector, which contributes over $3 billion to the economy, is already legless.
The NSW government’s response to EI is driven by its addiction to gambling revenues. I am sure no one in the racing industry on the north coast has been hoodwinked into thinking that racing recommenced yesterday at Coffs Harbour for the welfare of the horses or their connections.

Those who rely on the horse industry for all of their income have had absolutely no income for five weeks, are yet to receive their financial assistance, and still have to feed their families and horses at a time when supermarket and fodder prices are at an historical high due to drought.
While areas of Queensland have been declared a disaster zone due to the impact of EI, the NSW and federal governments fail to understand the economic impact of EI particularly on those rural communities who can least afford it. Feedback coming through Valley Country is that many local businesses have never been quieter than they are now and that includes small businesses who have suffered a significant downturn in everything from sales of fuel to fodder.

The Federal government’s response to assist businesses who have lost their incomes due to EI is appreciated by everyone but is ridiculously inadequate. The $5,000 assistance package in no way compensates businesses for loss of income and in many cases wouldn’t cover one day of expenses. No business, whether it derives its income from the racing or non racing sector of the horse industry can survive a substantial loss of income for a prolonged period. Unfortunately the government response is biased towards pandering to a powerful lobby group of international thoroughbred breeders and reducing the impact on government gambling revenues.

The non racing sector is now signing up with the Sydney law firm Attwood Marshall to join the thoroughbred industry in its class action for compensation. If negligence is proven the damages may not be in the millions it may amount to billions, as the entire sector contributes well in excess of $6 billion to the GDP.

Maureen Byrne
Valley CountryGrafton NSW

Dear Mr McGauran

Dear Mr McGauran,

I know you are probably unindated with emails, but I wish to draw yourattention to the public blog on www.horsedeals.com.au. If you spentapprox 15mins you would soon see the outrage that is growing from nonrace horse owners who are not being supported or assisted in any way byanyone. There are even comments and storeys from noted AustralianOlympic riders who are frustrated as well.

My daughters riding coach and mount educator has an equestrian center onthe far north coast of NSW. She is struggling financially. She hasapplied for the assistance packages but has not received anything.

I am stuck in a situation that my daughters new horse as transported outof Sydney before the EI outbreak, it was planned and budgeted to payagistment at the equestrian centre while the horse adjusted to adifferent area and to give my daughter a chance to have intensiveinstruction on the new horse before we transported him the 45 minutes toour own property. We were about to take him home when the standstillcame into effect. I am now paying for longer agistment then 1st bugetedfor and he is being cared for beautifully but I am unable to claim anyassistance but I am out of pocket!

The media and the government only seem to be focused on the race horseindustry - a lot of other horse people are effected as well but arefeeling completely ignored and overlooked.

You are in a position to change the media and governments perception ofthe overall impact of EI on all horse owners and related services.

Thank you for you time,
Donna Barker
Lismore

EI Flu

I’m so mad why is it that the big thoroughbred industry gets first preference on who get the vaccinations? Victorian racing industry is whinging that they deserve the vaccination to protect their so called “spring carnival” get your heads out of the sand boys, we in NSW & Qld are in the throws of and epidemic and the horses in these states need the injections more then you. I have a friend that has a young up and coming dressage horse and he has had an infection that has affected his lungs she has approached her vet and asked for the flu vaccination and she was told that the horse isn’t eligible and is only available to horses going out of australia now that’s not fair, she is very worried that if the flu gets here he won't come through it.

Yes we have show horses and do compete.

Yes, my mare is due to foal anytime and we have two elderly horses as well. However this year was my daughters young horses first year competing under saddle and she was qualifying for the royals and of cause this flu has ruined it for us and many other showies but again, I’d rather have my horses health over a competition any day.

So why does the thoroughbred industry big wigs (and I’m not talking about the small trainers as they are feeling more of a pinch more then their richer counterparts) put the horses that have had the flu through hard training just to get them back on the track at the first sniff of yes we can race? Nobody is going anywhere.

At the moment we are very lucky that the flu has not come to the Coffs Harbour area but it is on our door step with horses testing positive at Uralla & Armidale.

With these areas affected why is it that MORONS are still traveling down the highway with horses on horses floats do they think they are made of gold and can’t be touched? If these people have been given special permission to travel the DPI needs to give these people a sticker or something that states they have permission to travel.

Even then It’s us the little pleasure riders who are to blame for spreading the virus, But who was it that bought these horses into Australia?
My heart goes to all who are affected and hope things get back to normal for you all quickly without to much stress.

Liz

Equine Influenza Virus

Hi,
As a long time advertiser and purchaser of HORSE DEALS I would like to thank you all for your BLOG it has enabled us "Real Horse" people out there to vent our collective spleens.

Below is a email I have just written to the Federal Minister Mr Peter McGauran, I would love you to publish it on your blog page if you feel it is worthy.

Again thank you.
- Kind Regards
Carmen Bajpe
Cranage Miniature Horses
www.miniaturehorses.com.au


Dear Minister, Peter.McGauran.MP@aph.gov.au
I really don't expect a reply to this email as I am just a lowly hobby horse breeder not a breeder of Thoroughbreds which seems to be the equine breed flavour of the month.

Just like the Thoroughbred trainers and breeders Mr McGauran when you cut us we also bleed, we are bleeding badly Minister by your failed containment and your lack of broad immunization also your unequal inadequate compensation.

I am not sure if you know Minister but recreational horses far outnumber Thoroughbreds in this wide brown drought ridden land of ours.
Why are you holding us to ransom, with your CONTAINMENT Zones, we know as you know this virus CANNOT be contained.

The reason why you will not answer my email is because I can answer my own question in three words................THE MELBOUNRNE CUP.....we are being held in CONTAINMENT RANSOM because of this and only this Minister!

Please be assured our memories are long, at least to the next election anyway.
- Kind Regards
Carmen Bajpe
Cranage Miniature Horses
www.miniaturehorses.com.au

Too close for vaccine?

I have just spoken with the vet at Esk, she tells me that there is no cases in Esk – yet!

It is however confirmed in Coominya and her thoughts were that we would probably have it in Esk within a week
No chance of vaccines being given as we are not racing/breeding and are now too close to a confirmed case to be considered in a buffer zone

Pam Beetham in Esk, SE QLD

SE QLD & NE NSW

What would be really nice is if dpi as a whole could get their acttogether and publish a map in the format that dpi nsw has on theirwebsite which shows SE QLD and NSW as EI is doing the slow creepsouthwards and is now at Oxenford (near top end of surfers paradise)

It is really frustrating that to get a bigger picture for theprogressive movment you have to keep flicking between NSW and QLD dpiand then QLD only give you the names of areas and then a small localisedmap of the resticted area around each location. I find I have to write down the areas that are infected or are under testing and are suspect then open a new tab to search where is for the location on a bigger map.

So how hard would it really be for both NSW & QLD dpi's to work togetheron this?

I guess nothing is going to happen as there isn't the big metropolitanrace tracks involved in this area only little regional ones and get theyjust ignor any other breed or use of horse that isn't a fast runner andwho returns the government big bucks by perpetuating gambling problemsfor people who can least afford it.

Donna

Let's Be Heard!

Below is contacts for TV Stations
Channel 9 - 02 9906 9999
Channel 10 - 02 9650 1010
Channel 7 - 02 8777 7777
ABC - 02 8333 1500

Lee

NOTICE TO LICENSED TRAINERS, REGISTERED OWNERS, THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS

NOTICE TO LICENSED TRAINERS, REGISTERED OWNERS, THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS

EQUINE INFLUENZA INFORMATION SESSION - VACCINATION
THIS THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2007 AT 4.00 PM
LEILANI ROOM, ALLAN SCOTT PARK, MORPHETTVILLE

TRSA Limited provides this opportunity for the South Australian
Thoroughbred Racing Industry to be briefed on all aspects regarding
vaccination against Equine Influenza (EI) – the case for, the case
against and the projected costs.
PIRSA Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rob Rahaley will attend together with
TRSA Veterinary Officer, Dr Peter Horridge.
“We encourage licensed trainers, owners and thoroughbred breeders to
attend this session so that our local stakeholders gain a full
understanding of all relevant issues regarding vaccination from EI” said
TRSA Chief Executive Ian Hart. “Looking forward, it will also permit the
industry to maintain ongoing strategies to keep South Australia free of
infection” he added.
Information or queries may be directed to TRSA Chairman of Stewards,
Graham Loch on (08) 8179 9820.

Just found this on the world wide web, thought some may be interested in attending

Max

Where Is The Equality In This?

Just found the rates below as posted on the Government Site www.outbreak.gov.au
I am sure the Harness guys are happy at being rated the same as us 'Lowly Other commercial non-racing horses' at $20/day - what a JOKE! Amazing that it costs an extra $40/day to feed a TB in NSW Provincial/ ACT than a Trotter!
It just goes to show that we 'non-racing horses' really are 'At the Bottom Of The List!'

Payments based on a daily rate will be paid to horse carers on a fortnightly basis.
Daily rates are as follows:
NSW Metropolitan Thoroughbreds $60
NSW Provincial/ ACT Thoroughbreds $55
NSW Country Thoroughbreds $50
NSW Metropolitan Harness $20
NSW Provincial/Country Harness $15
QLD Metropolitan (Bris, GC) Thoroughbreds $55
QLD Country Thoroughbreds $50
QLD/ACT Harness $20
Other commercial non-racing horses $20

And the Saga continues with all Media focused on Racing as is the Fianancial support. They have forgotten that Racing is the "Sport of Kings" ..............

Maureen

ROAR DON'T WHISPER

Well guys another day and a nother few hundred horses infected by EI, but that shoulden't worry us because the recreational racehorse clan are tucked up in there warm beds with their $50 a day per horse everything is FINE!!!!!

All l am hearing is people complaining about their suituation for gods sake do something about it!!

Contact me angela@stockhorse.com.au we are organising something big bigger than you have ever seen before at the moment the TV channels we are going to them, they will be falling over themselves getting to us.

We need email addresses and name contact so you can be advised as to what is happening. This is BIG so big it will change the way the media racing and goverment looks at our industry. But we need YOU to make it work HAVE A VOICE ROAR I SAY ROAR
Ang

Watch out for the general public

I was horrified to learn that a friend is currently moving her family from a highly infected EI area to an other area in SE Qld. Although they do not own any horses, there is nothing to say that as they leave, the kids could not run over to the fence to say goodbye to the horse that lives next door and then travel 2hrs to their new home, hop out of the car when they arrive and do exactly the same thing greeting the new horse that lives over the back fence at their new place.

The general public are completely unaware of the threat that they can pose to this crisis. Maybe better eduation and understanding is needed by everyone, whether they own horses or not. It seems to me that you only need to worry about it if you own horses, but as you can see, anyone in our community can be a potential threat to this situation. To add to this it is currently school holiday time. Lets hope most people have their thinking caps on!

Sunshine Coast resident.

Phantom Equine Professionals and CHAPS

Let me introduce myself. My name is Tracy Stead and I am a full time professional EFA NCAS Accredited coach and Equine Trainer. I am a registered as a business and up to the 25th August I HAD a very successful business, minding my own business and striving always for the equestrian athlete. I was very priviledged to be working with fantastic clients that appreciated my wealth of knowledge that I loved sharing.
I have spent almost 25 years building my business which is also my passion.

On the 25th August I was ordered to stop my business by no fault of mine. For almost 5 weeks now I have had NO income but my four beautiful horses must still be fed and cared for to keep them in readiness for when we re-commence our careers. Ummmm when????

Oh did I mention I cant have a farrier on the place so I am the farrier. Oh and I am not sure how I am going to continue keeping my horses in the near future.I have NO MONEY left.

Yes I applied for the hardship fund. Yes I have applied for the business grant. Yes I have spent endless hours filling in, faxing, posting and driving my paperwork to institutions only to be told it may not be untill the second week of October that I should see some helpand if I get desperate go and see the Smith Family or Savation Army for handouts! I have never asked for financial help!

AND today 26th Sept I applied for the Commercial Horse Assistant Payment.

Well I have four horses, two registered with the EFA , one which is an upcoming horse being trained in the art of dressage competing HC so not yet registered EFA and my newest aquisition was bought to train on and sell on. Yes all pert of my business and my income.
But I can only claim my two registered horses as they are the only ones deemed to generate income for the Owner!!!

What about my horse in training which will become my next competition horse? What about my horse which was solely purchased for the purpose of reselling for increased income! ALL these horses are the make-up of my business contributing to my income.Don't forget I am only eligible for $20 per day not $60 per day like racehorses. And most racehorses have owners or syndicates paying for them to stay in trainers stables! This means my two competition horses will suffer as their CHAPs money will have to be shared with the other two.Did you know that one fellow professionals?
And by the way how come ALL racehorses (TB and Trotters) are being vaccinated in the Illawarra for free and no Olympic discipline, equestrian, western, polocrosse, ect and pleasure horses are being offered to be vaccinated.

What are we peoples..........Phantoms????? This is ludicrous! I have no business, no income and I'm NOT the only Equine Professional out there with the carpet pulled from under them. Government, EFA please help us!!!!

Tracy Stead Equestrian Services

Equine Influenza

My horses (all 4) have contracted EI.
I was put in an awful position having to decide which ones I could afford to treat.
As it stands it was just under $ 200 to treat one. How can it be my horses lives are worthless then say a racehorse who will be given away or dogged at the the end of the day for less that what it has cost to treat one of my horses?
Just because a horses costs one price does not make it worth it!

As far as getting any reasonable information regarding EI from the DPI it just doesnt happen. They even went to the extent to tell me over the phone that my horses did not have EI as one had only coughed. But by the morning all were sick. I have also been informed by the DPI they will not be coming to my house.

I consider it unfair that I have to be burdened with veterinary bills and been put in a position to choose which of my horses deserves treatment. We all have paid money into the government to keep up safe from things like this, and when something they are employed to stop happens they turn there backs and run. But I guess they can always fall back on the age old excuse "Wasnt me"!

I do believe if my horse gets out on the road and the government/pound catch it, I am liable to pay for its release. Yet they (Government) let a Virus into this country, hundreds catch it, and yet we still have to pay.

Seems real fair.

Regards,
Laura Scott.