From the Armidale red zone

I am 15 yrs of age and live via armidale.
My families property is located about 12 klm west of the city and we have been caught in caught
in the midst of the EI chaos.
we have been thrown into the red zone, as have half of my friends.
our horses have not yet contracted the virus but it is surely only a matter of time as last week disaster striked.
last saturday two properties, barely 3 klm away from us were placed under quarentine.
Armidale and surrounding residents were outraged and frightened.
Horses are being swept away from boundary fences and brought into stables or protected paddocks.
People are terrified for their horses.
I was distraught upon the quarentine placings as my gelding is 23 yrs old.
let it be known that our old ponies, stockhorses and friends mean more to us than 8 $3 million
thoroughbreds put together, if not to the economy, then to the children like me who learnt to ride on kind old reward diserving stockhorses and ponies.
it is not time to sit at home and whisper in fear but to stand up and roar.

reguards,

Henry

Qld EI Map

NSW EI Map

Elaine Edwards /EFA What are you doing?

What is the efa up to by wanting to a event in october as the rest of us are not allowed to,as Karen said that is while the state is free of E.I .Yes we all want to go to events but there is always next season to start again.And that is really good it will be a funraiser and of cause there will be every man and his dog sorry horse there.Candlebark was unable to run there event in october ,which is there major event that would help the club thought the year . PLEASE ELAINE HAVE A REALLY GOOD THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO BY RUNNING THIS EVENT ......
thanks joan

Can you believe it?

******************
Randwick horses to break free
Tony Arrold | October 06, 2007
A MASS exodus out of Randwick from Monday will end seven weeks of confinement because of the equine influenza outbreak for the majority of the 660-plus horses stabled at the historic track.

Trainers are making arrangements to move selected horses to go to a spelling paddock.
************************

Can you believe it? Whilst everyone else is on lockdown, if you have racehorses - do what you like and permits from the DPI will be granted. To bad if you have a performance horse.

Letter below written to Bruce Christie and Diane Ryan in response to this article and many others, just another DPI stuff-up.

Hi Bruce/Diane,

Can you please explain how the horses at Randwick are being moved from today out to "EI" infected properties outside of Sydney, and you are not allowing Centennial Park horses out to recover in the same manner? This is a disgusting display of favoritism, our performance horses compete and generate revenue in the same way the racing industry does - this is absolutley disgraceful that this is happening.

Please explain why this decision was made and how it is possible that these horses are leaving Randwick and not Centennial Park, or do you have an update for us on this?

Regards,

Kate Wallis


http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22538119-5001023,00.html

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22538480-5013405,00.html

Vaccination For All In Buffer

Following the concerns of quite a few ‘bloggers’ regarding the apparent discrimination of vaccination in the Buffer Zones, Horse Deals called the NSW DPI. We were assured that all horses in the buffer were to be vaccinated on a geographical basis and not on the ‘relative’ importance of the horse. The NSW DPI stressed the necessity of all horses owners in the Buffer to register their horses with the DPI so that the vaccination teams could workout their strategy. “The only way anyone would have been missed is because they would not have been registered”.

We enquired about the vaccination of racehorses in other than the buffer zone and were told that was something we should discuss with NSW Racing. We asked why, as they were horses and under the control of the DPI? The reply; “anyone with a horse that they feel should be vaccinated can apply to the DPI”. The spokesperson was very keen to get off the telephone at that point, and perhaps it is fair to say that the different treatment being metered out to the Thoroughbred industry is beyond the control of the Department of Primary Industry. How much the seemingly preferential treatment will affect or delay the eventual eradication/control of EI is a matter for debate.

In the Biosecurity Victoria “Vaccination Strategies For Equine Influenza” it talks about “Vaccination of Selected Subpopulations” in which it states; “technically speaking this approach has much to recommend it. However, acceptance of this approach within the horse industry is doubtful. It would probably be seen as elitist and discriminatory and would face considerable political obstacles”. They were right about the “discriminatory” part, but we are not sure about the “considerable political obstacles”.

If you are in a Buffer Zone in NSW or not sure if you are, and have not registered your horses please do so.

To register or indeed to find out if you are in the buffer ring 1800 675 888.

The helpful Queensland DPI spokesperson echoed the statements of the NSW DPI in that all horses in the Buffer would be vaccinated; indeed it was mandatory that they were. Exceptions to this were horses that were unable to be immunised due to the health of the horse and the vaccine manufacturers advice. He further explained that all horses that have been given the gene modified recombinant canary pox vaccine would have to be monitored for life. (to do with the gene modification)

Again Queensland DPI stressed that all horses in the Buffer must register and that the registration or lack of it was the biggest hindrance to buffer vaccination.

They also made a very good point about bio-security measures and the human carrier problem. “You must think like a surgeon going in to an operating theater”. Everyone knows about changing clothes, showering, blowing your nose etc. and even scrubbing boots, but what about your akubra or cap?

For information about Buffer vaccination in Queensland. 13 25 23

Arrogance of Racing Industry bodies

Firstly, I really appreciate the efforts of those individuals and
organizations who have been working tirelessly since the EI breakout for
the benefit of us all.

However I am more than a little ticked off at the absolute arrogance of
the Racing Industry bodies which are now crying about not being able to
vaccinate in the green zones.

Suck it up boys, now you know how the rest of us feel.

I'm boycotting the Spring Racing Carnival this year as protest.

I know that's a bit like using a straw to siphon the ocean dry, but what
the heck my horse is now at risk of this dreadful disease and I believe
their actions have been a major contributing factor.

Linda
SE Queensland

Doesn't quite gel

Something doesn't quite gel for me in the report stating that the Racing
bosses are calling for a national approach to EI crisis. My
understanding is that there IS a national approach.

The National Management Group (NMG) is making the decisions in
consultation with industry representatives, including the racing sector
and pleasure and performance horse sectors.

Perhaps I'm getting cynical, but I can see how it would benefit the
racing sector to keep the pleasure and performance horse sectors
disunited. After all, while we are all running around like chooks with
our heads cut off we are less effective in fighting for our rights. The
might and power of the Racing Industry who is highly organized and have
paid staff can then swoop in and get the lion's share of assistance,
funding and vaccinations.

United we stand, divided we fall so join your state Horse Councils and
the Australian Horse Industry Council, get behind them, let them know
your issues and give them your support. They have been around for a
long time, are mostly volunteers and have been and still are working
tirelessly for us all!

Linda
SE Queensland

Ipswich forum

Like almost everyone who attended the forum at Ipswich on the weekend, I
applauded David Lovell's comprehensive overview and agreed 100% with his
proposals. As a previous contributor has noted , his discussion paper is
available for public perusal on the EFAQ website.
One point that David clearly made at the forum was the fact that the DPI
are only implementing the strategy laid down by law and unfortunately this
law happens to be the AUSVETPLAN which falls under the banner of Animal
Health Australia, the chief executuve of which also addressed the meeting.
Animal Health Australia in partnership with governments are the controlling
body and until some changes to the current policy are implemented at this
level nothing is going to change!There are apparently top level meeings
being conducted this week.
Somehow , I believe we have to do whatever we can at grass roots level to
urge our equestrian bodies of whatever persuasion to come together so that
the process of identifying horses and their immune status can begin.I am
only a frustrated horse owner and will happily do whatever it takes to
achieve the goal and getting our lives back.Unfortunately, we in Australia
are paying the price for complacency. There was an attempt many years ago
by what was then the Horse Industry Council to 'umbrellarise' all horse
organisations in Australia including the Racing and Standardbred bodies.
When they (racing and harness racing) did not wish to be included, it did
not really get off the ground.
Without a strategic plan to somehow facilate and expedite the horse
identification process , how can proposals such as those contained in
David's discussion paper possibly be implemented?
Angie
Brookfield

Horse flu vaccine rollout frustrates racing bosses

There has been a call for a national approach to help combat the crippling horse flu crisis in Australia.

Racing New South Wales boss Peter V'landys and representatives from the Queensland and Victorian racing industries met federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran yesterday.
Mr V'landys says one of the major concerns is that the vaccination program needs to be consistent across the states.

"Now we've wanted to vaccinate in the green zone and the national group won't allow us to do that, which we find ludicrous considering that Victoria has no equine influenza and is allowed to vaccinate anywhere in that state," he said.

Read more.

Wellington horses to get EI jab

07 Oct 2007
Local horses are to be vaccinated and an equine influenza (EI) buffer zone established at Wellington to contain a suspected outbreak of EI after horses on a property showed clinical signs of the disease.

NSW DPI Chief veterinary officer Bruce Christie said the clinical signs were consistent with EI, and test results were expected tomorrow (October 6).

“Since the disease is highly contagious, we need to attempt to contain it at an early stage,” Mr Christie said.

“It’s a pre-emptive move intended to stop gradual spread from property to property and beyond.

“Only selected high-risk horses in a 15 km zone around Wellington are to be given the vaccine to buffer against spread by reducing the amount of virus excreted from horses if they become infected.”

Selected horses will be vaccinated and micro-chipped by a veterinarian at no cost. Groups of horses have higher priority over isolated, single horses.

Mr Christie said it was important to note that this vaccine is NOT the silver bullet, or the answer to all the problems thrown up by the EI outbreak.

The horse flu vaccine will be kept under security at a Local Vaccination Centre and dispensed to the vaccination team from today.

Horse owners within 15 km of the centre of Wellington should contact the Wellington EI vaccination centre on 6845 4438 or 0428 710 002, or the disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Mr Christie said the spread of equine influenza at Wellington again highlighted the importance of strict bio-security.

Green zone horses test EI positive at Barmedman

Two horses have been confirmed positive for equine influenza on a property at Barmedman in the previously disease-free green zone.

NSW deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Steve Dunn said staff were investigating the exact cause of the isolated outbreak, and any possibility of disease spread.

“This property is located between West Wyalong and Temora, and about 40 km from the boundary of the amber zone,” Mr Dunn said.

“The horse owners in this case took early action by reporting their sick animals immediately, which hopefully will give us a better chance of preventing further spread.

“A red zone is being declared around the property and the amber zone will be extended further west and south.
“This will unfortunately restrict the movement of some horses which were recently given greater freedom to move when the zones were declared.”

Mr Dunn said it was important to keep as much of NSW EI free as possible.
“This setback reinforces the need for strict biosecurity when people come in contact with horses,” he said.

“The horse flu virus is very contagious because it can live on your body and your clothes for up to 48 hours and can be transmitted from humans to horses.

“The most effective way is to wash your hands and arms thoroughly, blow your nose, wash your clothes, and change your clothes.

“If it is essential you have contact with another horse, do so with clean outer garments and having followed these basic hygiene procedures”.

Maps of the new red and amber zones around the Barmedman area will be available by late Monday (8/10), go to www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza or contact 1800 675 888.

For Equine Influenza Public Blog

I read David Lovell's Discussion paper with interest and for the first time since all this began I felt that at last someone who understood what was happening with EI was talking sense.

http://www.qld.equestrian.org.au/site/equestrian/qld/downloads/Influenza/David_Lovell_EI_discussion_paper_2007.pdf
Like most people here I have been following the EI sitation and reading the official sites. I have also kept up with this Blog to see what people affected are actually experiencing and how they felt about it.

According to the DPI, the official strategy is eradication. Fridays update says "Encouraging progress is being made towards the eradication of equine influenza through the implementation of the vaccination buffer zones. The number of new IPs over the past three days has not shown a significant decline, but is remaining steady with 140 new IPs on October 2 and 102 new IPs on October 3.” …….Between 100 and 140 new infected properties in one day!!! and that’s supposed to be encouraging!!!

When this began I supported the DPI eradication programme but like so many other people I have lost confidence in what is being done and I have lost confidence that those in charge are handling the situation efficiently and fairly. Initially it was said that vaccination was not the answer, but it wasn’t long before a vaccination programme was announced and once in progress it seems that it is being used selectively, with priority given to horses in the racing industry (approx 20% of horses in Aus) while the less influential equestrian/recreational horses (approx 80%) are being ignored.

There is so much conflicting information out there. On the one side are the official bulletins, on the other, reports from people giving information from personal experience. There seems to be no clear direction.

So far I have read that: Australia has bought all the available E-Vaccine supply in the world. BUT it appears that there are different types of vaccine and according to other reports, there is plenty available to vaccinate every horse in Australia.

In spite of the policy that no horses in the red zone will be vaccinated, racehorses within the red zone are receiving vaccination – but not other horses. However, some people with racehorses have had their childrens ponies vaccinated at the same time.

Within the buffer zones, vaccination is only for specific horses, ie: racehorses. On a property where there are racehorses and other horses, only the TB’s are being vaccinated. Some buffer zone???

Horses (racehorses) are being vaccinated in the Green zone, miles from any source of infection.

I have read on the DPI site that one of the arguments against vaccination is that it can mask the disease, thus increasing the likelihood of it spreading . BUT I have also read that racehorses are being vaccinated so that they can move around and still race.
There are lots more stories – the forums and blogs are full of them.

So far as I can see it’s no wonder that people have lost confidence and are angry and frustrated at what they believe is unequal treatment and lack of direction by the people they would expect to help them.

I feel angry and disillusioned. I do not believe that we are being properly informed and I do not believe that those people who should be giving us leadership and support are doing enough to help.

I see that a series of community meetings are being held throughout the various areas which are affected with input from the horse industry, the DPI and the Rural lands Protection Board. As someone who lives in the red/restricted zone I shall be asking just what the official policy is for people in our situation. We have been told that even if our horses are to be vaccinated they will be the last to be done. Do we just sit here until then and wait, and hope that our horses are among the projected 20% that the DPI anticipate will remain free of the disease, or if not, that our horses, especially our mares and foals will survive. Has anything that has been done so far worked out the way they said it would?

Will anyone compensate us for the horses and foals we lose, the stallions and mares who won’t be breeding this year. Will we have to bear the costs of all this ourselves. Will we all have to pay the cost of a programme which so far has done so little to help us.

When it’s all over – whenever that may be… will we still support the people who run the various departments and organisations that have let us down. I hope not!

Jay