JUMPING NEWS - events running!!

OPEN SQUAD SET TO RESUME!
The next Open Training Squad weekend is to be on October 27th/28th.

Everyone is welcome- non EFA members need to pay $ 10 Day Insurance. The format of the weekend is two sessions each day at Werribee Park with coach Robbie Allen. The cost is $44 per day which is fantastic value. If you would like to attend please click here or alternatively contact Annie White jumping@efavic.com.au or 0438 565 962

** Please NOTE: Shepparton, Sale & Wodonga World Cup all cancelled

To help get the sport moving again - The EFA Jumping Sub-committee are to run three shows at Werribee Park.
The dates for these are

EFA Jumping Series No 1 November 11th
EFA Jumping Series No 2 November 18th
EFA Jumping Series No 3 December 2nd

The shows will run for one day and consist of Two Rings with classes ranging from 75cm through to 1.30m.
And will operate under the EI guidelines set out by the EFA & DPI.
Entry Forms ( click here )for the first show must be received by 31st October -. No payment is required until day of event. Your entry form must be accompanied by the Horse Identification Form & the Waiver Form. The officials have donated their time so all entrants are expected to help out on the day to run the show as a condition of entry. We thank our sponsors Ken Weir and Assocs and Insyte Consulting for their assistance.

Please familiarise yourself with the DPI requirements so that as a sport we act responsibly to keep EI out of Victoria


Tonimbuk Equestrian Club - EFA Affiliated
Jumping Shows Oct/Nov/Dec

Tonimbuk Equestrian Club - located at Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre is holding a series of Jumping training days and shows.
Please check their website www.tonimbuk.com for further details.
TRAINING DAY - 20th & 21st October EVENT 1. - NOVEMBER - 3rd 4th, 5th & 6th
EVENT 2. - NOVEMBER - 23rd, 24th & 25th EVENT 3. - DECEMBER - 8th, 9th & 10th
Further Jumping Dates
EFA Senior Squad 8th/9th December

EFA Jumping Interschool 14th December at Werribee School comp Grades E-A
Watch here for entry form

Young Rider Squad Training weekend 15th/16th December

Treehaven Xmas Show 22/23rd December

Junior/YR SJ Champs 29/30th December incorporating State Titles for Juniors, YR & also International Team Challenge with NZ.


Don’t forget Toorak College are holding an Interschool on October 26th 2007
.
** Please NOTE: Shepparton, Sale & Wodonga World Cup all cancelled

If any further shows are planned, could organisers please let me know and I can add them to the above list. Thank you. Annie White

EI purple zone expanded to ease pressure on horse owners: Macdonald

12 Oct 2007


Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, today announced changes to the State Government’s four-colour equine influenza (EI) zoning system, expanding the purple zone to incorporate Camden, Maitland and Tamworth.“This common-sense decision frees up movements for thousands more horse owners and breeders in the heavily infected expanded purple zone,” Minister Macdonald said.“After exhaustive tracing and surveillance by NSW DPI, we now have the intelligence that allows us to revisit the boundaries of the purple zone.“Expanding the zone will greatly reduce the economic impact this contagious disease is having on our horse industries and allow the multi-million dollar horse breeding industry to resume.“It means activities such as show jumping, dressage, pony carnivals, and three-day events can go ahead – as long as the horses are fit and healthy and stay within the purple zone.“It also means drought affected horse owners, who were previously forced to buy in feed for their horses, will now have the opportunity to agist them elsewhere in the purple zone.“Under the new zoning arrangements the purple zone will stretch from Tamworth to Camden, linking known highly infected areas in between.

The purple zone includes all or part of the following Local Government Areas:
Penrith, Liverpool, Camden, Wollondilly
The Hawkesbury, Gosford, Wyong,
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens Great Lakes,
Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook,
Tamworth, Liverpool Plains.

“I want to make it absolutely clear from the outset that the purple zone still represents an area of high infection where lateral transfer between properties is happening at a substantial rate,” Mr Macdonald said.“Horses can move into the purple zone with a permit but cannot leave until authorised.”Minister Macdonald said key horse breeding areas were within the existing purple zone including the Upper Hunter and Sydney regions.“This re-zoning will take in many more horse studs – including Quarter Horses, Arabian horses and performance horses - allowing the movement of non-thoroughbred mares to stallions during the current mating season,” Minister Macdonald said.“Strict hygiene requirements will apply to horse floats and trucks leaving the purple zone.“Horse associated people in the purple zone and red zones are asked to apply strict hygiene and biosecurity measures when leaving the highly infected purple zone.

“This follows an outbreak of the horse flu at Barmedman which can only be attributed to a human spreading the disease from an infected property.“As a result the NSW DPI has responded swiftly, creating a red zone around the infected property and has started vaccinating horses within a declared buffer.“As a precautionary measure, the nearby Young Local Government Area has been changed from green to amber, due to its proximity to the Barmedman outbreak.

”The zones are:Green - Protected Area - no disease, aim to keep free. Currently includes the Far West, Riverina and Eden-Monaro areas. Travelling Horse Statement required and a permit for events.Amber - Restricted Area - no confirmed disease, suspect horses to be investigated as quickly as possible. Based around large parts of the Central West and North Coast areas. Movements may be authorised for racing and breeding. Movements to other events prohibited.

Red - Restricted Area - area of at least 10 km around Infected Premises, high containment and biosecurity to be applied to individual premises and area.

Limited permits within the red zone, current movement restrictions stand.Purple - Special Restricted Area - largely infected. Biosecurity applied to movements of people and vehicles out of area. Horses must not leave the zone. Includes the area stretching from Camden to Tamworth.

Equine influenza daily update - 10 October 2007

Situation update

We are on a mission to beat this disease!
The policy is still to contain and eradicate Equine Influenza as quickly as possible. There have been a few escapes into the green zone which is disappointing. We have responded to contain the new outbreak. Although there are people who think that the task is impossible, many experts are surprised that we have been able to contain it at all. This has been mostly due to the wonderful cooperation of the horse community in complying with our restrictions.

There are currently 4121 Infected Properties (IPs), 401 Dangerous Contact Properties (DCPs) and 464 Suspect Properties (SPs).

The number of IPs being reported daily in Tamworth, the Hunter Valley and the Sydney basin are all showing promising signs of decline. This has resulted in a levelling of the overall numbers of IPs across the state.
The control and eradication of EI now relies on diligent reporting by horse owners of possible new infections and strict compliance with recommended decontamination and disinfection procedures. For more information see:http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza/information/preventing-ei-disinfection-procedures

Suspected horse flu case in NW Tas

Current situation in TasmaniaA horse in the North West is highly suspect for equine influenza. Initial tests indicate EI. Further tests are currently being done at the Animal Health Laboratories in Geelong and at DPIW’s Mt Pleasant labs to confirm whether this is, or is not, equine influenza.As a precaution, the horse standstill was reinstated at 17.30 hrs on Thursday 11 October.

This means that all horses throughout Tasmania must remain on their current properties until further notice. This will be reviewed as the latest lab test results become available and we anticipate more information will be posted on this website tomorrow (Friday 12 October).

Current restrictions on movement of horses and horse-related equipment
The ban on the movement of horses within Tasmania has been reinstated.
There is a ban on importing horses into Tasmania from the mainland.

The reinstatement of the horse standstill means that there currently is a ban on taking horses out of Tasmania.

A permit is required to bring horse-related equipment into Tasmania.

EI in Victoria?

For a State that doesn’t have EI, they sure have lots of investigations, see the link to Victoria DPI, current situation in Victoria information, from the Horse Deals ‘Selling your horse during an EI outbreak’ blog
I’m glad I don’t have to worry about the outcome of all those investigations!
Pam, Esk in SE QLD

Float sit in garages with full registration.

Is the RTA going to give us some remuneration for our floats fully registered sitting doing nothing for possibly 6 months or more.
Tried of the NSW govt not supporting the pleasure horse industry.

Deanne

Unbelievable , incompetent and totally outrageous!!

This is an account of my experience with EI and the NSW DPI.

I am a 4th generation horseperson. I have lived, bred and prepared my show horses from the same property for 40 years. All horses on the property are multiple royal show winners including Sydney. They are worth more individually than most tried racehorses - by a long way.
I have the misfortune to be located in a "Red Zone" in Western Sydney.
Since the initial outbreak of EI at Eastern Creek on August 22nd. I have implemented the strictest of bio security measures for my property.

There are no other horses or donkeys at all within a 1.5 km radius of here.
I have been begging the DPI and my vets for Vaccine since the outbreak on August 22nd. NO WAY!!

3 days ago, approx 5 days after 2 days of strong winds, all my horses developed full blown EI. One of them in particular - the oldest , is very unwell.

At the first signs of infection I rang the DPI hotline. I was very concerned that I was in a red zone, my horses were sick, and I wanted them tested ASAP. The answer was NO!! No assistance, No DPI visit, and No testing!!. Just manage the best you can, They expected a lot more healthy horses in the red zones to get sick -so basically it's a free for all for the infection to spread at its virulent best till it reaches the buffer zones. If anything changed that would affect myself or my animals, I would be notified.

I am SO MAD!!! Neither myself or my poor horses have done anything negligent to deserve this happening. None of the horses have even been off the property for months. The infection is obviously airborne and not only has it infected my horses but thanks to a fantastic "local grape-vine" I found out that almost every horse in my area ( all red Zone) has contracted EI in the last week - hundreds of them!

As I write this I can hear my horses coughing relentlessly, its very hot and humid today so its even more uncomfortable for them ..........I feel like we have been forsaken.

I think this whole affair has been handled with total apathy to a point of complete negligence. No pro-active attempt has been made to halt its spread or vaccinate the non-affected horses until it was FAR TOO LATE.

Ask anyone who has seen this disease first hand in Europe ,in regard to our control of it - we are a laughing stock.

What I want to know is - Who's head is going to roll and most importantly, where’s our compensation. It's absolutely outrageous!!

Lee

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TWO STATES WITH EI

I wish we were in NSW!!

How can two states belonging to the same Federation be so different in the way they are handling or not handling vaccinations for members?

EFA NSW Squad Horses have been vaccinated

EFA QLD Squad Horses are still…..waiting…..

and look what NSW is trying to do for ALL their members – WHAT A DIFFERENCE.

EFA National what is going on??!!

Below are current extracts from the relevant websites.

EFANSW -
Important message to members: The EFA NSW previously announced on this site that we were asking for members to register with us if they were in the purple/red zones and had EFA competition horses that could be vaccinated. We have now undertaken to contact personally over the next few days all members with horses with perfomance cards in the purple and red zones so that we can be sure we have included everyone. Regarding vaccinations, please click here for updated information from 11th October 2007. Thank you for your patience and understanding. EFA NSW

OWNERS OF A HORSE OF SIGNIFICANCE

Liz Buchanan, Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Equestrian Queensland as a result of the recent announcement made by the Chief Veterinary Office, Dr Ron Glanville in relation to the allocation of 4000 viles of the vaccine to sport and leisure horses, would encourage all those who have horses that they believe fall under this classification to make application to the DPI for inoculation.

It is important to note that Equestrian Queensland cannot assist you with your application as it must be made on an individual basis. Part of this process is the provision of information on your on your vet, including their registration details amongst other things, for your application to be assessed accordingly.

All applications for inoculation under this program will be assessed on their merits by the DPI and you will be advised accordingly. We apologise, but we are unable to advise you as to the timeframe of this process.

PLEASE NOTE: Owners of horses current only Equestrian Queensland State Squads do not need to apply for vaccination as these horses have been covered under a different program, with vaccinations due to commence imminently.

Horse owners angry over flu vaccine shortage

Horse owners in Canberra have staged a protest over what they call the inequality of the equine influenza vaccination program.

Around 30 people gathered at the gates of Thoroughbred Park where race horses are being inoculated today.

The ACT Government has secured 700 doses of the vaccine for thoroughbreds and harness racers.

Read More.

Victoria is expected to stop horse sales.

Ballarat council in central Victoria is expected to stop horse sales at the city's saleyards.

Many Victorian councils are making the move in an effort to prevent equine influenza spreading.

Read more.

GOVERNMENT STUFFS UP WE PA

Page 3 of the Queensland Country Life October 11 2007.

“The (Commonwealth) proposal is to charge a once only levy of $10 for every horse in Australia that is registered in one form or another, for example, for racing or breeding society. If a horse is registered in more than one society, they are required to pay the levy only once.( Big hearted of them) The levy will be collected buy the Commonwealth.(ie by our tax returns no doubt)

The Federal Government is expected to contribute 10 percent of the costs, States 10 percent and the horse industry 80 percent. Of that, the non racing sector makes up between 80 to 85 percent and it will incur the bulk of the cost for the industry”.

So a Government agency (AQIS) stuffs up and we are all going to pay.

I say good luck trying you cant get blood from a stone, some people are going to have nothing left but their dignity and integrity when this is all over and true to form a government will still try to screw you when you are down.

What the bet if we all lived in a foreign country the Federal Government would be falling over them selves to offer hundreds of millions of dollars along with other forms of assistance but when it is some of there own they couldn’t give a toss.( unless we have something to offer them for their election campaigns)

Phil
Kind regards

Phil Aikenhead

Why can't the entire horse population be vaccinated.

Why can’t the entire horse population be vaccinated, apart from the obvious not enough vaccine (but if there is of the inactive). But surely if horse owners around Australia want to protect their valuable stock whether it be dollar or emotional, they should be allowed to, whilst still maintaining the buffer and containment areas as it is now. Especially with the warmer months approaching we should be able to protect our horses if EI breaks containment lines again.

I for one would be happy to protect my horses as I do with strangles/tetanus with the hope that EI can be eradicated.

Anne K

DPI falsely assuring us!

I am sick to death of the DPI falsely assuring us, I am sick to death of the racing industry getting their own way......And I am sick of being told to be patient .

I feel for those people who have lost foals and horses to EI, however I do not feel for the racing industry. They brought it into Australia yet they are blaming recreational horses for spreading it. It makes me sick. How dare they. They should be ashamed of themselves. As should the DPI.
Henry

Guidelines for persons visiting a retail saddlery

This is a editiorial that will appear in a Newspaper and a local magazine.
Guidelines for persons visiting a retail saddlery.

Everything Equine Oxenford, on entering the store all customers must step onto a disinfected step on tray, you should put on boots that can be disinfected all customers will be issued with a pair of long sleeve plastic gloves for handling merchandise with confidence, the whole shop is fumigated at close of business each day including air conditioning return and vents.

Everything Equine Oxenford provides a delivery service for those that are over cautious, they can post any products in store FREE of charge, Now that’s shopping with confidence.

Shoppers should take a step back and think, going to your local supermarket, butcher, petrol station, post office or shopping centre and even using an ATM, what if the person next to you sneezed or you made contact with a person in line at the bank or check out counter?

In a nut shell don’t stop shopping at your favorite Saddlery they need your business! Or otherwise there will be no more business. Support them in a crisis in times like now the EI is a serious problem and we encourage that we all take precautionary measures.

Selling your horse during the EI out break.

11/10/07

There is concern that it is impossible to sell your horse during this EI crisis, however the DPI’s are trying to make things easier for people to move horses around. Therefore it is becoming easier to sell your horse. The area infected with EI does seem enormous but figures from the DPI suggest that about 3% of the Australian horse population is infected. Moving horses in unaffected areas does look harder than what it really is, in many cases. We have tried to collect all the information from all the websites so you have a clear picture of what you can or cannot do. Nevertheless, new outbreaks of EI can quickly change the situation but at the time of writing this is how things stand.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/content/pw/ah/equine_influenza.htm

Importing horses into Western Australia
Imports of horses, ponies, donkeys, mules from infected States (NSW and Qld) is Prohibited.

Horses, ponies, donkeys and mules can be imported from non-infected states providing certain conditions are met prior to importation. In general it requires a 7 day pre-entry quarantine and 7 day post entry quarantine with two vet inspections post entry at the owners expense.

An application to import horses to WA must be made; http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/content/pw/ah/AppimportequinesWA.pdf and full procedures and conditions are available on the web site.

Moving horses within Western Australia
There is no evidence of equine influenza in Western Australia. Horses, ponies, donkeys and mules can be moved within Western Australia using appropriate transport biosecurity measures.

TASMANIA
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/LBUN-76FVNP?open

Current restrictions on movement of horses and horse-related equipment
There are no restrictions on the movement of horses within Tasmania.
The ban on importing horses into Tasmania from the mainland has been reinstated.

There are no restrictions on taking horses out of Tasmania but you should check with the receiving State for any restrictions.

A permit is required to bring horse-related equipment into Tasmania.
Bringing a horse into Tasmania

The ban on horse imports into Tasmania from the mainland has been reinstated.The change follows the decision to allow vaccination in Victoria of some 1500, and possibly many more, horses. Overseas experience indicates that, in some cases, vaccinated horses may carry the influenza virus without showing any clinical signs (ie they don’t look sick). Vaccination of so many horses creates a risk that the disease could be masked if it were to get into Victoria from NSW. The Minister has determined that this new level of risk to Tasmania is unacceptable.The ban on interstate horses is in force until at least 15 October. It will be reviewed then.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
http://www.nt.gov.au/dpifm/Primary_Industry/index.cfm?newscat1=Animal%20Biosecurity&newscat2=&header=Equine%20Influenza

Horse movement conditions applying in relation to Equine Influenza
Within the Northern Territory

No Restrictions. Horses can be moved and horse events can take place.

Entry of horses from other states

NSW
Entry of horses from NSW is prohibited.

QLD
Entry of horses from QLD is prohibited.

WA, SA, Victoria and Tasmania
Entry permitted.

Horse owners must obtain a Northern Territory Health Certificate/Waybill from an Inspector of Stock in the state of origin prior to movement.
The Inspector of Stock must send a copy of the Health Certificate/Waybill by fax to the Regional Stock Inspector in the region of destination prior to the movement commencing.

Movement of horses from the NT to other states

NSW
Permitted

QLD
Permitted with health certificate/waybill

WA
Allowed subject to conditions. See WA website for application details

SA
Allowed with permit issued by SA Inspector. Telephone 08 82077827
VictoriaMovement allowed. Movement must be via SA only. Therefore SA permit must be obtained.
Tasmania
Not permitted

For further information contact your Regional Stock Inspector.

Additional conditions apply to Interstate horses moving to the Alice Springs and Darwin Racecourses. For details contact Lindsay Lane, Chairman of Stewards (NT) 89234222 or David Westover, Chairman of Stewards (Alice Springs region) 89524100

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/horseflu

Horses, Equipment and Vehicles from New South Wales, Queensland and Canberra

Until further notice, because of the risk of introducing Equine Influenza (EI) into South Australia, NO horses from New South Wales and Queensland will be allowed to enter the State. Exemptions may apply for used horse equipment, horse transportation vehicles and semen. Please contact South Australia’s EI Hotline (1800 675 888) to find out the conditions applying to the introduction of these items.

Horses, Equipment and Vehicles from all Other States and Territories
To move any equine into South Australia a permit application and accompanying veterinary certificate is required prior to the issue of a permit.

To speed up the permit allocation process for horses, horse equipment and horse transport vehicles from EI free areas, an online permit application is now available.

The online permit application takes between 5 – 10 minutes to complete. On completion, the application is electronically forwarded to PIRSA Animal Health for processing. Issuing of permits should not take longer than 24 hours from receipt of your application, so long as the permit application is received within 72 hours (3 days) of departure between Monday – Thursday before 5:00 pm. Any application received after close of business Thursday will NOT be processed until the following Monday.

VICTORIA
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/nrenfa.nsf/LinkView/5743686525FBB3BDCA25734E001164EF2FCC42C90CB016EECA25734F000AFF44
Prohibitions on Horse, vehicle and equipment movements into Victoria from New South Wales and Queensland.

The movement of horses from Victoria to South Australia will require a permit from the South Australian government. South Australian horses may move freely into Victoria.

The movement of horses, ponies, mules and donkeys into New South Wales and Queensland from Victoria is also subject to movement restrictions and requires a permit from the Department of Primary Industry in those states.

NEW SOUTH WALES
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza

NSW DPI has just made applying for permits much easier. Any one with internet access or access to a public library (where they have free internet access and someone to help you navigate to the correct site) can apply for most permits online.

Travelling horse statement - Green Zone

You can only use a Travelling Horse Statement - Green Zone if:

• The horses are to be moved from one point within the Green Zone in NSW to another point within the Green Zone in NSW.
• The trip will not go into or through an Amber, Red, Purple or Buffer Zone or another state.
• 
  Read full conditions; http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza/movements/permits/travelling-horse-statement

Travelling Horse Statement
This form collects information for the preparation of a Travelling Horse Statement. You must print two copies of this document, then sign and date them both. The statements are not valid until they have been signed and dated. Once you have meet the general conditions above and have two copies of this form you can more within the green zone valid for seven days.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza/movements/permits/ths-form-green

Travelling horse statement - Amber Zone
You can only use a traveling horse statement- Amber Zone (approved race meetings only) if:

• The horses are to be moved from one point within the Amber Zone in NSW to another point within the Amber Zone in NSW.
• The trip will not go into or through a Green, Red, Purple or Buffer Zone or another state.

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza/movements/permits/ths-form-amber

Movement controls for the Red Zone

Movement standstill remains largely in place. Very limited movements may be approved on permit.

Movement controls for Purple Zones

· Horses may only move from one Purple Zone to another Purple Zone with a permit and veterinary certificate and subject to other conditions.
· Horses cannot be moved out of a Purple Zone to any other zone or interstate.

Permits for interstate movement of horses
The ability to move horses from other states or to other states depends on the zone in which they are situated. The Green Zone, Amber Zone, Red Zone and Purple Zone pages outline interstate movement restrictions.

QUEENSLAND
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xchg/dpi/hs.xsl/27_7416_ENA_HTML.htm
There is now a Green Zone and Red Zone in Queensland.

If you live in the Green Zone, you can walk or ride your horse within that zone. If you want to transport your horse, you need a waybill. A waybill is a document that describes the livestock or animals being travelled.
There is no requirement to submit the completed waybills to the department.
Download and print out a waybill (PDF, 42 kB)

A healthy horse may be eligible to move into the Green Zone from another State or Territory, other than from the NSW purple, red and amber zones. See NSW DPI website for further information.

Movement controls - Red zone
· Please note, you cannot move your horse from one zone to another without a licence/permit from an inspector and there are penalties for not complying with these requirements.
· A horse can move into the Red Zone with a permit. The condition of the permit will be for one way travel to the place of destination. Return permits will not be allowed until movement restrictions are lifted in the Red Zone.

Victoria EI Investigations to 09/10/07

***CLICK ON MAP TO ENLARGE***

NSW Maps of Special Restricted Areas (Purple Zones)

***CLICK ON MAP TO ENLARGE***

EI Zones and Vaccination Buffers in NSW

Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) deliver essential services to ratepayers and others in each district as the frontline in the management of animal health, pest animal and insect control, travelling stock reserves, stock movement, stock identification and drought relief.

EQUINE INFLUENZA
A zoning system governing horse movements is now in effect in NSW.The Rural Lands Protection Board system is working closely with the NSW DPI to streamline the introduction of these zones, which aim to keep the area of infection within containment lines while allowing limited movement under strict guidelines.
There are four colour zones, relating to the level of known infection and risk of spread.

***CLICK ON THE MAP TO ENLARGE***

What shires have infected properties in Queensland?

Thursday 11 October: There are 947 infected properties (IP's) in Queensland an increase of 19 from yesterday. Significant new IPs were at the Ipswich racetrack, Mount Nebo (approximately 30 km west of Brisbane), Preston and Greenmount.

IP by Shire Report Shire Number of IP
Beaudesert Shire 242
Boonah Shire 1
Brisbane City 128
Caboolture Shire 1
Cambooya Shire 7
Clifton Shire 8
Crows Nest Shire 1
Esk Shire 202
Gatton Shire 1
Gold Coast City 21
Ipswich City 179
Laidley Shire 37
Logan City 1
Millmerran Shire 2

Sourced from Qld DPI
***CLICK ON EACH MAP TO ENLARGE***

The Crystal Ball

The current decision to continue with containment is currently the right direction for NOW. The containment strategy must be given a timeline to mid November (yes after the Melbourne Cup) to determine if the containment strategy is working. The current situation we have across NSW & QLD now is one like ‘spot fires’ a new case of EI in a new area flares up, it is then rezoned and in lockdown. If spot fires can be eliminated we may just have a chance. By mid November we will know if we are winning the battle.

If the containment battle cannot be won then mass vaccination is next logical step to win the EI war. Mass vaccination for the estimated 300,000 horses in Australia would take a conservative period of 9 months to rollout. If mass vaccination is the next strategy equestrian competitions in Australia could recommence immediately and horse owners manage EI as they do with other equine illness’s now. If your horse has a runny nose, a hacking cough you stay at home – this occurs in countries such as the UK right now, their equine industry is not crippled, its booming. Once competitions recommence the ‘recreational industry’ will be up and running, large and small equestrian related business’s and services will survive and some sense of normality will return to our industry which desperately needs it.

Sally
SA

Mike Horan MP speech on Equine Influenza

09 Oct 2007 Matters of Public Interest 3247

Equine Influenza

Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South—NPA) (12.10 pm): In the midst of the equine influenza crisis that is occurring throughout south-east Queensland, I want to speak today about two important things that need to be done—and, that is, vaccination of all horses in the red zone of south-east Queensland and a fair system to provide the vaccine to those people who own pleasure and performance horses.

Since this outbreak first occurred in Queensland on 25 August, we have gone from one or two outbreaks to 799 by Sunday evening. As at Friday evening of last week it was 626. So this is spreading like wildfire throughout south-east Queensland. To have the minister come into the parliament this morning and say in a ministerial statement that stopping the spread of equine influenza has been a tremendous success, that it only covers less than one per cent of the land mass of Queensland, and that the buffer zone around the red zone is a success, is paying no respect whatsoever to the intelligence of horse people throughout south-east Queensland. It has spread from zero to 799 properties, and it would be far greater if we knew the true extent of how many properties are actually infected.

What we have today with this crisis is a legacy of five years of the DPI budget being cut, staff and resources being underfunded and cut, and a culture of leadership developing at the top where regardless of their experience in other departments they have no experience in animal or agricultural industries. The chickens have come home to roost with many of the mistakes that occurred in this crisis, despite the hard work on the ground of underresourced staff and underfunded staff who have attempted to deal with this crisis.

With regard to vaccinations, back on 14 September I called for the department to consider vaccinating horses throughout the red zone, because all the major equine practices I spoke to said that it had to be done. They said we were the laughing stock of the world to think that we were going to stop the spread of EI throughout south-east Queensland. I spoke to practices who had vets who had worked in equine influenza areas of the UK, Europe, Florida, and South Africa. Kicking and screaming, the department was dragged to the conclusion that it would have to vaccinate.

Since then some 20,000 doses arrived in the first lot, and a bit over a week ago Queensland got just on 8,000 doses and vaccinated most of the racehorses in work and some of the horses in the buffer zone that extends from south of Gympie across to Dalby and down to Inglewood. On Friday night 130,000 doses arrived, and out of those 130,000 I believe that Queensland will get about 35,000 doses. Bear in mind that 8,000 of those doses are going to have to be used for the second vaccination of the horses which were vaccinated a week and a bit ago.

The real issue that we have is that the thoroughbred industry has approximately 25,000 horses, which means they need about 50,000 doses of vaccine. The thoroughbred industry is extremely important in this state, as is the standardbred industry but it accounts for approximately 18 per cent of the horses in south-east Queensland. There are probably 80,000 to 100,000 or more of pleasure and performance horses that require vaccination if they are to be protected. This has also become an issue of animal welfare. As the temperature rises with the hot summer weather, horses with temperatures over 40 degrees suffering these illnesses out in paddocks trying to find some shade, not able to be looked after like horses in stables and so forth, need to be vaccinated to protect them from this sickness. The owners of these horses want to protect them from this influenza. They see that the government cannot stop it and they want to take it into their own hands and be able to provide this vaccination for their horses.

It is so important with the next lot of vaccine that has just arrived—the 130,000 doses, and in four
weeks time there will be another 100,000 doses—that we have a fair system of allocating it to horses who are in all these hot spots across the length and breadth of south-east Queensland. Take a line from Brisbane across to Toowoomba and south: just about the whole area is full of EI. We need a fair system for performance and pleasure horses. It is insulting to talk about ‘high-value horses’, because a 24-yearold kid’s pony is just as important as a breeding stallion, a brood mare or an endurance horse. We need a fair system so that those who are at most risk of getting the illness are provided with the vaccine. I call for vaccination, vaccination, vaccination and communication, communication, communication so that not only the thoroughbred industry but also the pleasure and performance horse industry can be protected.
Time expired.

Common Sense

Hi Everyone

I live in southern NSW near the ACT border and are not currently infected with EI, yet. It only seems like a matter of time before we get it, as people just don't seem to be following the bio security measures needed to help eradicate the disease.

I have been talking to a TB breeder and owner who has a horse stuck up on the Gold coast that was bound for the Melbourne Cup, he has said that it is a disappointment that his horse won't be able to run in the cup but felt that the lock down in NSW and Queensland was necessary.

There has been a lot of talk about vaccination being the only way to combat the virus but really it is only a temporary option. Eradication is the key to success and those of you that say it can't be done need to look at South Africa and India who DID eradicate the virus.

The TB breeders are getting more press then us average joes, but they seem to be doing some things right, like holding meets, but only with horses that are stabled at the grounds. It has amazed me that the trotting horses are moving around in the green zone competing. This has come back to bite us all, with there now being suspect trotting horses in the ACT!!!!

Everyone please use common sense, the faster that we eradicate the virus the faster everything can go back to normal.

Louisa

SYDNEY, Oct 10 - The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) reports that progress is being made on plans to extend the purple zone to free up movements within areas of high horse density already heavily infected with Equine Influenza (EI).

“This will greatly reduce the economic hardship caused by the disease,” AHIC said in its daily update, noting that the number of infected properties, expected to peak at about 4,000, is beginning to decline.

Read more.

EI reports barking up wrong tree says DPI

Swab samples for taken from two dogs belonging to Warwick Farm stables have returned negative to equine influenza (EI), says the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

“Two crook dogs there [at Warwick Farm] had samples taken but they have come back negative,” a spokesman said.

The spokesman said the tests were precautionary given there have been some recorded cases of dogs contracting EI in the United States.

“There have been cases overseas where EI has occurred but that hasn’t happened in Australia so far,” the spokesman said.

“I suppose someone has heard samples were taken from a dog and the story has just got a bit bigger and better from there.”

Read more.

'Equine flu cost biting' Melbourne Herald Sun - On our side!

Horse Deals has been in contact with Kelly Ryan from the Melbourne Herald Sun after she wrote on the 1st October "$100 Hack Could Determine VICTORIA'S $1 Billion Spring Racing Carnival".

Like many, Kelly was unaware of the size of the 'Recreational' horse industry but after a couple of phone calls from the Horse Deals office, a copy of the bumper September Issue of Horse Deals Magazine, and copies of the Horse Deals blog displaying the loss and frustration with our industry she has since followed up on this story.


It was great to see published in yesterdays Melbourne Herald Sun "Equine flu cost biting" by Kelly Ryan. She has given an insight to the general public on the impact this outbreak has had - and not just on the Racing Industry.

WELL DONE KELLY - perhaps after you have read her article, email your comments or concerns to their editor..........

Read the full story

Victoria EFA NEWS

EFA Vic & representatives from HRCAV, PCAV, Racing Victoria & VAS met with DPI Sept. 26 to discuss the current EI situation and action to be taken after 1st October.

Whilst the number of infected horses has risen in NSW and Qld, and the risks are still high, EI is not in Victoria, because of this we feel it is unreasonable to cancel all events and have developed an “EI Event Guidelines Info Pack” in conjunction with the DPI.

The “EI Event Guidelines Info Pack” is available for committees to provide a true picture of what is required to run an event which will allow them to make an informed choice of whether to run an event or not - click here to view or print (53 pages) or if you would like the pack posted to you email your address details here

Individual members will still have a choice whether to attend an event or not.

Thank you for your support
The next review meeting is 23 Oct

The Saddle Up Series Final is still on and will be held on the 28th of October. Click here for more information.

EFA Horse Trials - 27th / 28th October 2007 - ALL WELCOME !!!
http://www.nominate.com.au/equest/event.asp?event=704&eventlist=1

Equine influenza daily update - 10 October 2007

SITUATION UPDATEThere are currently 4 011 Infected Properties (IPs), 394 Dangerous Contact Properties (DCPs) and 458 Suspect Properties (SPs).

Nine vaccination centres (Local Vaccination Centres, or LVCs) are now operational or just ready to open. The LVCs will be operating for at least a week in each area. Mittagong LVC closed operations yesterday after achievement of Round 1 vaccination targets, pending commencement of Round 2 planned for 19 October. Gloucester LVC closed this morning after completing Round 1, with planning for Round 2 underway.

No mass vaccination of horses is planned at this stage. The EI Control and Eradication response involved a targeted approach to vaccination in locations critical to containment of EI spread, allowing the disease to ‘burn itself out’.

Horses located in the buffer zone regions have been given the highest priority for vaccination, followed by uninfected horses located within the existing Restricted Areas (RAs).

At least 50% of the available vaccine doses have been allocated for use in the buffer zones, with the bulk of the remainder allocated to horses in RAs.

Read full report.

Equine flu vaccine reaches all horses.

More than half of the NSW horses to receive an equine influenza vaccine are non-racing industry animals, the government says.

Children's ponies, donkeys, polocrosse, draft and working horses are among 2,000 horses in buffer zones around the state to receive the vaccine.

Read more.

Qld DPI Report

Situation report for Wednesday 10 October, 2007
There are 928 infected properties (IP's) in Queensland. Whilst the IP number is high, the rate of increase is considered moderate.


Easing of restrictions may be possible by Christmas

The Queensland Government hopes to allow free movement of horses within Queensland’s red zone by Christmas if its strategy to contain equine influenza to the south-east remains on track. Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said that the Christmas goal was only achievable if all Queenslanders involved in the equine industry played their part in ensuring all quarantine safeguards were adopted and upheld.

He said with a horse standstill in place, the greatest threat to equine influenza spreading beyond the red zone was through human contact with horses and human failure to properly decontaminate. “Through the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Biosecurity Queensland is creating a buffer zone in the south east around the main area of infection,’’ Mr Mulherin said. “We are vaccinating all horses in the buffer zone and expect it to be fully effective from mid to late December after the administration of the second dose. “During this time, we will be trying to protect as much as possible high value horses and large horse populations within the red zone.

We will also look to contain the spread of the disease within existing clusters in the red zone by strategic vaccination of inner buffers,” Mr Mulherin said. He said DPI&F expected that once the outer buffers were in place, then Queensland’s horse industry could get back to work with the freeing up movements in the red zone. “At this point, all things going to plan, we are looking at freeing up movements by Christmas this year. “But to achieve this it is important to keep movement restrictions in place and maintain high biosecurity measures to ensure the buffers and the other vaccination program is not compromised.

“I have asked my Department to look at ways to increase the security and surveillance of the border between the red and green zones,” Mr Mulherin said. While movement restrictions would be loosened in the red zone at Christmas, there will continue to be strict controls between the red to green zones.


New Steering Committee established to help the sport and recreation horse industry.

A new Steering Committee has been established by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) to help the sport and recreation horse industry get back on its feet.
>
The steering committee, which met today includes representatives from the Horse Industry Council (Queensland), Equestrian Queensland, Pony Club Association, Sport and Recreation Queensland, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Communities, and Tourism, Regional Development.

“The sports horse industry is very valuable to Queensland – not only economically through export revenue and job creation but also through their contribution to the Queensland lifestyle,” Mr Mulherin said.

“But with so many diverse groups, everyone needs to come together with the common goal of how to reduce the spread of the disease and get horse events back up and running.

Mr Mulherin said as well as an opportunity to bring horse sport industry groups under the one banner, the Steering Committee would develop roll out an Equine Influenza economic recovery plan.

“When movement restrictions are lifted, we need to have a plan that sets how to get the industry can get back up and running and have a viable future.

“One person involved in the industry who has experienced the impact of equine influenza first hand is Natalie Nichols.

“A horse lover with a long background in the industry, Ms Nichols was locked down with her horses at Morgan Park and worked as the local Crisis Manager during the six-week confinement.

“It’s this hands on experience, and invaluable knowledge and passion for the horse industry that will see this plan work, and I have no doubt that Ms Nichols, together with her industry colleagues, will provide the insights needed to ensure that the industry can recover from this terrible outbreak.”

Don't get me started!

Hi everyone,

I’m lucky at the moment and am in the green zone in southern n.s.w but for how long. There is security guard at the border from us and last time I was down that way the sign was incorrectly posted, it implied that you could get in to VIC with a permit, but there are other ways to get across, i.e. the river you just have to swim across. If you've got friends that you can ride to their place from where you cross, there's heaps of things you could do. Who’s to know where horses, have been stabled you just need to get across the border.

I’ve been reading through the posts and really feel sorry for those who've lost horses/foals from the Ei. regardless of industry section.

I’m really annoyed cause it has stopped me from selling my horse, she was in horsedeals sep issue. We've not got much feed and are hand feeding them, it's not a drought sale but I was using the money to pay for my son's pre school fees, as he has a speech problem and has to be at pre school as much as I can. Drought money is hard to get, especially through centrelink. So horse people can expect it to be hard or are they just getting money being handed to them??

And we've not even got to use our new float yet, my partner said "it'll be March next year before we get to use it" as a joke.

It seems like the only industry that matters, is the tb racing, haven't heard much about the harness.

we are the ones who provide homes, for the race horses after they finish racing. Some of our top competition horses are tb off the track.Lets jump up and down even harder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Louise

United

Could all horse people get in touch with there breed and riding society, any horse industry they pay membership and insurance fees requesting that thier board members unite in this type of emergence pooling info and resources.

If we all joined together we would far out way the racing industry and bring a large voice to the goverment bodies and unless we do the quarintine laws will not be changed and our breed ,riding clubs can not act unless we the members request them to try it wot have we got to lose.

Sherrie Martin

Pure Speculation!

Before I start I would like to point out that this is just my theory as I see it and that there is at this moment in time no evidence to support it. BUT has anybody else noticed that since the vaccination process began last Saturday (with a live vaccine) that cases of EI are showing up in what were clean areas. First Rosehill, then Newcastle along with Toowoomba and I will bet my very last dollar that before the week is out that Bundamba (Ipswich) has it as well.

Funny how they are now talking of importing the dead vaccine all of a sudden. I just thought this observation was interesting but nevertheless only an observation. How terrible will it be if this stupid DPI&F have gone and infected all the clean racing precincts with the wrong choice of vaccine? Wonder what that law suit will look like and I wonder who’s going to pay for it TAXPAYERS that’s who. I am serious about how terrible it will be, I don’t own race horses but I do benefit from the income the state and federal govt receive from this industry, money that goes into schools, health and roads etc, these systems aren’t great now but what will happen when the govt looses millions of dollars because racing is out of action. I know that the racing industry has been treated differently and I don’t like that but I do understand the govt desire to keep it afloat.

Hope all your horses are well
Leslee

I have had enough of this!!!!!

We are now in a buffer zone, our two geldings are being vaccinated tomorrow, however we have a mare down in Gloucester, she has been there since the lockdown on horse movements was put into place and are we allowed to move her....NO. Yet race horses are allowed to move where they like.

People and horses alike are suffering, horses have died, peoples livelihood have been ruined or else disintegrating before their eyes.I’m disgusted in the dpi.

They are willing to stand back and watch as NSW suffers and eventually falls under the weight of equine influenza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want it known that I will not stand back and watch as my friends fall ill as the dpi does NOTHING!!

I will not wait months and months to get our mare home!!!!! And I’ll be damned if the dpi's going to tell me how to look after my horses.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH......... THE DPI SHOULD BE ASHAMED.........AND WHATS MORE THE THOUROUGHBRED INDUSTRY BROUGHT THIS DISEASE INTO AUSTRALIA AND NOW THEY ARE CONTENT FOR NSW WALES TO WAIT AND HURT WHILE THE RACING INDUSTRY GOES ON THEIR MERRY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Do we not mean more to the government and this country than the racers.......!!!!!!!!!.......

WE ARE ENTITLED TO INFORMATION, OPTIONS AND GOD KNOWS WHAT ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPEAK UP NSW.............SPEAK UP AUSTRALIA...........LET US AS A STATE .......AS A COUNTRY BE HEARD ABOVE THE POUNDING OF THE RACETRACKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

HENRY

Let me guess, EI doesn't fly domestic?

I currently reside in the red zone (Tamborine) my horses have EI and my property is under quarantine.

So how come i was able to board a plane on Thursday morning at 9am only to arrive in Melbourne at 11am without any concern for EI contamination.
I attended a Tradeshow over 3 days in which a few thousand people attended. I shared a hotel with hundreds of others.I walked the streets as horse and carriage past me by.

Let me guess, EI doesn't fly domestic?

Where is the de-contamination where is Bio-security? If Victoria is so worried about keeping thier state EI free they had better start checking flights in.

What a joke...........................

Confused

My horses have EI (now two weeks into it). I thought that once the last horse of mine contracted the disease I had to wait 30 days then we were in the clear.
So does this mean my property is still officially under quarantine?
Does this mean I have to de-contaminate every time I leave my property?
When i asked a DPI member this is what i was told.
Property under quarantine indefinitely
I must continue to de-contaminate for another 6 months.
The estimated time for lockdown at this point is April 2008 in which case my horses have the potential of contracting EI again once the 6 months is up since they last contracted EI.
If EI is still at large.

I am all for eradication, but the thought of having to decontaminate for another 6 months really pisses me off. Particularly when other people in my street (all horses in my no through road (street) have contracted EI) don't de-contaminate. There are two (2) commercial businesses in my street who have horses and who "Don't" actively de-contaminate.
When and where will it all end.Cindy

ALL ONE REIN (REIGN) IS NOT GOOD!!!!

Jody is correct when she states that Kevin Rudd would use the exact same "EXPERTS" to make all these life threatening decisions, so Charly,let us not lose sight of the fact that all the states of Australia are being governed at the moment by the labour party,and each state is in control, but the liberals are at the helm. If we crucify John, and we would all love to see some-one strung up and quartered for this stupid, pathetic, unforgivable tragedy ( can not call it a mistake!!!!!!!) the entire country would be ruled by one party, until there is a state election to maybe change that.

Jody is also correct in saying, that if it was that way, there MAY BE NO FUNDING AVAILABLE AT ALL???????????. Lets hope that the so called inquiry, can unearth the true reasons why only 14 days quarantine is good enough for the "RICH PEOPLE WHO THINK THEIR SHUTTLE STALLIONS ARE ABOVE THE NEEDS OF THE REST OF A CAREFUL COUNTRY" I have indeed heard the rumours from Ballarat, lets hope it is all HOT AIR!!!!!Good luck to everyone, and keep talking, it will help get us through. To Shane and niki, words cannot say enough to make a difference, we all hope they catch and hang the B.............S.

Sarah Allen VICTORIA

EI protest at TB park Canberra - 8 am Thurs 11 oct

8 am Thurs 11 oct. win and ABC tv are booked
TBpark Canberra race track main gates
Muster 7.45 come and shout this will be the start of a national public campaign. Finish by 8.15
Fiona.

FREE PUBLIC MEETING - SUNSHINE COAST

EQUINE INFLUENZA - SUNSHINE COAST MEETING

FOR ALL EQUINE GROUPS AND INTERESTED PEOPLE

AGENDA

This Public Forum is proudly sponsored by Nags (Northcoast Active-rider's Group) and Maroochy Shire Council.Please pass this information on to as many people as possible.

SATURDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2007 1.00 PM

MAROOCHY SHOWGROUNDS AT NAMBOUR
INDOOR ARENA
(ALL ENTRY IS VIA THE BLI BLI ROAD GATES)
STRICT BIO-SECURITY MEASURES WILL NEED TO BE ADHERED TO – REFER TO THE DPI WEBSITE www.dpi.qld.gov.au
PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE WEARING CLEAN NON HORSE CLOTHES, SHOWERED, WASHED HAIR AND HAVE SPRAYED CAR TYRES BEFORE ARRIVING- IF YOU ARE COMING DIRECTLY FROM A HORSE PROPERTY
IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO DECONTAMINATE FOOTWEAR BEFORE LEAVING

LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE SO BYO CHAIRS

THE NORTH COAST ACTIVE-RIDERS GROUP INC IS HOSTING AN INFORMATION MEETING FOR ALL NON RACING EQUINE GROUPS.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS MEETING TO FACILITATE AN EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION REGADING THIS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS DISEASE THAT IS NOW IN SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND.

WE WILL HAVE SPEAKERS FROM THE DPI, VETS, ELECTED REPRESENTATVES CENTRELINK, MEDIA ETC.

· The aim of this forum is to voice the concerns of local horse owners and develop a positive, constructive plan to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.
· The meeting is not intended to lay blame or make accusations but rather to gather correct information as to the real situation and then to direct appropriate action to resolve the situation in a fair and equitable manner."

IT WILL ALSO GIVE US AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOICE OUR QUESTIONS FOR OUR ELECTED MEMBERS TO THEN REPRESENT OUR POSITION CORRECTLY.

THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS BUT AS WE ARE EXPECTING MANY PEOPLE WITH MANY OF THE SAME QUESTIONS WE ASK YOU TO FORWARD YOUR QUESTIONS TO president@nags.asn.au
PRIOR TO 5PM FRIDAY SO WE CAN FORMAT THEM TO BECOME PART OF THE MEETING.

IMPORTANT - RSVP

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK AT THIS MEETING OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT
MADELINE HORNE ON president@nags.asn.au.

Regards Jane

Put our money where our mouth is!

Hi guys

I have been fighting, along with thousands of other, recreational horse owners against the incompetence and bias of all government agencies involved in this EI outbreak. As much as these blog sites are great to express out frustration and inform us, I think we are "preaching to the choir".

We need to start a fighting fund and put our own full page information fact sheets in all major national papers. We need to let the wider public know how the governments of the day have screwed this up. We need to ask the questions we are all asking and getting no response to. The racing industry has money and clout, the media don't want to know so we need to get together and pay our own way and get our message out there.
Just a thought, what do others think?
Kerrie Haynes-Lovell
Tamborine Queensland

No spread from Warwick released horses

Hi everyone

Thought I'd let everyone know that after clearance by the DPI, and massive amounts of disinfection, our horses were released last Tuesday from Morgan Park in Warwick. We bought 3 horses that have recovered from EI home - where a group of 20 uninfected horses are. This had us all a little nervous, but there have been no symptoms of EI in the uninfected horses in the week that the recovered horses have been home. Fingers crossed it stays that way....

It really was a nice sight to see my horse cantering (and bucking) his way across a nice big paddock after 6 weeks of confinement.
Thanks too to Mount Gravatt Horse and Pony Club that have been so supportive of it's affected members in Warwick, and to the Warwick Horse Trials Club for all their hard work for us all.

How is everyone else getting on with their uninfected horses at home after release from Warwick, Parkes etc?

Cheers

Kylie

Interesting...............

Here's an interesting article. Written a while ago I believe. Oops! Too late!!!!

http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/rirdc/articles/disease/exdisease.htm

Lesley