Qld DPI Report

9 November PM: There are 2197 properties infected with equine influenza in Queensland, an increase of 13 since yesterday. It's important to maintain decontamination procedures and remain vigilant.

Another win in the battle against horse flu

Berry and Wauchope equine influenza (EI) Red Zone restricted areas have been revoked following confirmation that both areas are now free from EI, NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said today.

“Confirmation that Berry and Wauchope are now EI free follows exhaustive investigations and testing of horses over the past six weeks,” Minister Macdonald said.
“Red Zones established after EI was detected in both areas have now been changed to Amber, freeing up some movement restrictions, easing disinfection requirements and allowing the resumption of some horse racing events.

“Testing for horse flu has cleared every horse on the infected properties and all horses that have been in contact with infected animals since the outbreak.

“In the Berry region alone investigations involved interviewing 1500 property owners within a five kilometre radius of the infected property.
“This is a sign of things to come throughout infected areas during the recovery phase.

“Every infected region will also need to go through comprehensive tests and meticulous investigations to demonstrate their freedom from EI.”

NSW chief veterinary officer, Bruce Christie, stressed that movement restrictions and biosecurity standards still need to be maintained throughout NSW if EI is to be controlled and eradicated,
“This is a small but significant step in the marathon battle to eradicate horse flu from NSW, but I want to make it absolutely clear that we have a way to go,” Mr Christie said.

“Every person in NSW who comes into contact with horses still has both a moral and a legal responsibility to play their part.

“All it takes is one for person to carry the extremely contagious equine influenza virus to a horse property in a clean district and we will be starting all over again.”

Showjumping Back on track in Victoria.

After a successful showjumping event at Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre last weekend the EFA and Ian Mouser of TEC have but together a calendar of events for the remainder of the year.

November 11th EFA Jumping Series No 1 Werribee Park

November 18th EFA Jumping Series No 2 Werribee Park

November 23rd –25th Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre Showjumping

December 2nd EFA Jumping Series No 3 Werribee Park

December 7th State Showjumping Squad with Gavin Chester at Tonimbuk

• PM Showjumping Tonimbuk Lower Height Classes

December 8th-9th Showjumping Tonimbuk

December 15th-17th National High Performance Showjumping Clinic with Gilbert Bockmann, Werribee

December 21st-23rd Christmas Charity Show – Showjumping Spectacular Tonimbuk

• “Christmas is a time for friends and families to unite and celebrate. At this special time of year, we would like to show that we care by assisting those who are perhaps less fortunate. A friend in need is a friend indeed….. especially at Christmas,” Ian Mouser. This event will also include Saturday night entertainment including a visit from Father Christmas.

December 29th-30th EFA Junior and Young Rider Showjumping Championships including the International Team Challenge with New Zealand

Victorian DPI Situation Report Nov 09

Victorian DPI Situation Report Nov 09

http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_upload/files/vic%20dpi%20sitrep%20nov%2009.pdf

Reminder for Victorian EI meetings

A reminder that the following EI Community Information Sessions will take place this Saturday 10 November 2007 at 10 am.
The Colosseum Great Alpine Rd, Bairnsdale
Benalla Performing Arts Centre 57 Samira Road, Benalla
Potato Shed 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale
Sunbury Memorial Hall Stawell St, Sunbury

A full listing of dates can be found at www.dpi.vic.gov.au follow EI link and then Community Sessions.

Barry Calderbank

I LOVE Barry Calderbank.

The Tasmanians are so lucky to have such a great “chap” in charge down there.

Let’s put Barry in charge of the country and sort this mess out!
Vote 1 Barry Calderbank for PM!!!!

Cheers Barry, and keep up the good work.

Michelle Hasibar

Victorian DPI Information Sessions - All Areas

Reminder - Information Session Dates, Times and Places

There was a minor time error with the Pakenham time it was originally published as 10am should have been 7pm, it is correct on this release.

http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_upload/files/vic%20dpi%20sessions%20victoria.pdf

VETS & BIOSECURITY

I am in the amber zone in NSW. My next door neighbour just called me to tell me that the local vet had been at his property which had been selected by the DPI for random blood testing, with a view to us being put into a green zone. The local vet tested 6 horses, he used the same needle to collect the 6 bloods, and did not scrub up before leaving the property. What hope have we got if the vets can't even observe basic hygiene procedure, let alone proper biosecurity having regard for the current situation.

Some light relief.

This is very funny!

Tassie News

Folks

• Still no suspect cases of EI in Tasmania

Vaccination.

The broad policy for vaccination, including how it would be used in non-infected states, is being set nationally in consultation with the national horse industry organisations (ie the racing codes plus the Horse Industry Council). Still no news about Tasmania's request for vaccine. The Tasmanian Minister has had discussions with the local horse industry about the distribution of the vaccine if/when we get it. It's all a bit academic at this stage and will remain so until we get some decision at the national level about the vaccination policy and whether we'll be getting any. The fact that the federal government is now in "caretaker mode" because of the election isn't helping the speed of decision-making in Canberra!! Hopefully, we'll get some news from Canberra in the next few days. In the meantime, I've done an update on vaccination that'll be live on our website later today - a copy is attached. For the reasons outlined, it doesn't include the when/where/how of EI vaccination here in Tasmania.

The second batch of horses from interstate arrived on the Spirit this morning.

34 horses and reports from the wharf are that all went well - no horses turning up without permits, trucks very clean etc - and that means 63 horses have entered the state since the ban was partially lifted earlier this week. At this stage, there are around 30 horses with permits yet to arrive. The number of permit applications being lodged with us has fallen off substantially. Our permit people say "thanks" to the 90% of you that have good handwriting and to the other 10% - have you thought of printing instead??

Bringing a horse from King Island.

Horses moving from King Island to mainland Tasmania must currently tranship through Victoria due to shipping schedules. Consequently, anyone wanting to bring a horse into Tasmania must get a permit. There are special conditions if the horse is kept away from interstate horses while at the Victorian transit depot. If you are in this situation, please phone the disease control centre (6233 6875) to discuss.

Basic Biosecurity Tips for horse newbies.

Well before the EI outbreak, I did up a brochure aimed at people who are new to horses - it deals with very basic husbandry and welfare stuff. It's part of a hobby farmer series I did that also includes sheep, cattle, pigs, alpacas, goats and chooks. We've got a lot of people moving onto a few acres for the first time in their lives and the series is aimed primarily at them. The whole series is downloadable from our website - go to http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/MCAS-73U766?open . If you have a slow internet speed, it'd take forever. If you think the brochure would be useful for people you know, new members of your club etc and would like me to mail some to you, please let me know. I'm aware that a couple of people have used these brochures in a "midnight maildrop" into the letterbox of someone who ought to be looking after their animals better - good on you!

I'll see some of you at the Campbell Town meeting tomorrow (Saturday)

Cheers
Barry Calderbank

Qld - Living with Horses in the Green Zone

DID YOU KNOW--

Queensland Performance and Pleasure Horse Industry (QPPHI) represents all non-racing horse owners in all QLD zones.
Horses in green zone can be moved/travelled WITHIN the green zone with a WAYBILL. (available from DPI www.dpi.qld.gov.au permits)
You CAN walk or RIDE your horse within the GREEN ZONE.
It is compulsory for all horse owners in Queensland to register their horse property(s) with the DPI, regardless of zone colour or number of horses. (go to www.dpi.qld.gov.au )
Green zone horses CANNOT be moved or ridden through or taken into, the AMBER or RED zones.
You CAN apply for a permit (one way) to move a horse into the RED zone. The horse must STAY in red zone until movement restrictions are lifted. (go to www.dpi.qld.gov.au )
Humans CAN spread EI easily, so when visiting the RED or AMBER zones, avoid horse properties where possible.
Practice BIOSECURITY before returning to the GREEN zone, and shower and change footwear and clothing BEFORE touching your own horses.
CARS, CLOTHES, AKUBRAS, CAPS, HELMETS, BOOTS etc can spread EI. Remember to thoroughly clean yourself, clothing, wheel arches and tyres if travelling within RED ZONE horse areas--- and AGAIN on return home to GREEN.
If planning a trip to RED zone, check DPI website for EI infected areas and ensure your Biosecurity Practices are in place.
Donkey's and Zebras can also get EI.
PLEASE HELP QUEENSLAND HORSE OWNERS' EVERYWHERE ---KEEP THE GREEN ZONE FREE OF EI!

As an industry, we must remain vigilant. Please always practice strong bio security measures even in the green zone. This disease is so contagious, we must eradicate it. We can not allow EI to be here for future generations of horses, horse owners and horselovers.
Remember to keep an eye on the DPI website for updates and changes.
Please pass this info on to your friends, family and contacts...
Thankyou for your time and vigilance!
From the QPPHI Team

Equine Flu Recovery Fund for the people affected by the warwick lockdown QLD Morgan Park

http://www.horsesandpeople.com.au/morganpark_raffle.html

Buy Tickets in the MONSTER RAFFLE which will raise funds for horse riders, owners and grooms locked down at Morgan Park.

The Morgan Park Quarantine Recovery Fund has been organizing a MONSTER RAFFLE to help raise as much money as possible to help those affected by the Equine Flu Quarantine at Morgan Park in Warwick in any way that is needed to deal with the after affects of this devastating problem.
Morgan Park was hosting the “Equestrian Triequathon” FEI Eventing World Cup Qualifier when EI struck and stranded over 250 horses, competitors and grooms.
The committee of the hastily convened Morgan Park Quarantine Recovery Fund appreciate that there has been a lot of outside help from many different organisations and companies but also realize that there will never be enough funds when it comes to all the issues and areas to be considered.
The committee understand that there are other areas and people affected in the same way, but there is only so much their committee can do as funds do not stretch far when it comes to such a wide spread crisis.
The Warwick Horse Trials Committee will be responsible for setting up the account and funds distribution, making sure funds will be overseen and distributed in the right manner and into the hands that really need it. Many riders that have their own businesses or have lost jobs or revenue have or may have to borrow or take out loans and now find themselves un-employed and in debt.
A lot of people and businesses have donated to the Raflle in the last couple of weeks, which was instigated by equine artist Sage Carlson.
There have been donations of saddlery and equipment from businesses like Shire Saddlery, Flying Changes Saddlery and Bucas Rugs; Feed companies such as Coprice; artwork from various equine artists, and stallion services.
Tickets for the Raffle can be purchased from the Horses & People website and donations also made via the same website. Tickets are only $5 each and you can also purchase books of tickets to sell to friends and club members. Currently the value of the raffle stands at over $15,000, so the winner and placegetters will do well!
Please remember that for the people in lockdown at Morgan Park the problems won’t be over as soon as the lockdown is lifted - they will be financially affected for many months to come. While the government is helping there is no possibility that those most affected will be able to recoup quickly.
Imagine yourselves in the same predicament and put aside a few dollars to buy a ticket or donate something which you no longer need which can be added to the raffle or given to someone to use.

For more information about the Raffle and the Morgan Park Quarantine Recovery Fund, please contact one of the following committee people:
* Sage Carlson: 0401 150 030
Email: ackyraequine@hotmail.com.au
* Trish Minchin: (07) 4662 6360
Email: trish.col@bigpond.com
* Arianne Hall: 0403 875 998
Email: info@wht.org.au

WHEN and HOW

As we approach the 12th week of being in lock down here in Queensland the questions of when will this all end and how, continue and the answers from those in the know are getting less and less. We are all reminded of how important it is to contain this EI , to undertake Bio-security and to stop the spread and that it is up to us in the non race horse community to help control this disease or we are facing the prospect of yearly vaccinations at great cost to us and our chosen horse sports. The people who head the Qld DPI continually remind us of these responsibilities and that it all our problem, however we have not seen one written or heard one spoken word from any of these DPI Einstein’s on what the plan is to get our horse sports happening again in the mean time we all sit at home fixing fences and gates, taking horses temperatures’ do the wheel bearings on the horse float and wondering should we start getting or equine friends ready for competition again just in case there is alight at the end of the tunnel, our state government( you get what you vote for) is happy they have the racing industry about to get going again and start bringing them in a income once again.

In the mean time we need some definitive answers so we to can make plans and get on with our chosen horse sports/ future’s.

Is there an expected date for horse movement to start again?

When horse movement starts will those of us in the red zone be allowed to travel outside of this red zone ever again?

Will horses from the green zone be allowed to come and compete in the red zone?

Will testing be done by the DPI ( NOT AT OUR EXPENSE EITHER) on horses that have had EI, be done to prove that they have anti-bodies in there system so they can be moved/competed?

Is a passport system to be introduced for competition horses?

Are we to be hit with a registration fee for each horse now the DPI have our properties registered and the number of horses on each property recoded?

We need to start getting some honest answers from the DPI and those in charge to where all this is going because up till now the only ones with any future is the race horse industry they have a end/start date to recommence , for the rest of we don’t seem to mater.

Phil

Call for Grenfell horse owners to be on alert for EI

People in contact with horses in the Grenfell area should be on the look out for and report any possible signs of equine influenza (EI) immediately, NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Steve Dunn, said today.

Mr Dunn confirmed that a third property at Grenfell has been quarantined following positive test results from horses for equine influenza (EI).

NSW Department of Primary Industries surveillance teams are continuing tracing efforts to determine how the virus entered the district.

"To help us eliminate this latest outbreak quickly it is vital that anyone in the Grenfell area with horses showing any possible signs of horse flu contact the EI hotline or their local vet," Mr Dunn said.

"We are confident we can contain and eradicate the virus as long as we can rely on people who have contact with horses to exercise biosecurity and advise DPI if they see any signs of EI among local horses.

A restricted area has been declared around the infected properties and the status of the Grenfell district has been changed from Amber to Red Zone.

Vaccination of horses in the vicinity of the infected Grenfell properties will begin on Saturday.

Grenfell horse owners with horses in the vaccine buffer zone should contact 6850 2929.

Horse owners can contact the NSW EI hotline, 1800 675 888, for more information.

Supplied NSW DPI

MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANNED RECOVERY OF HORSE ACTIVITIES

Horse owners can plan recreational events starting in the New Year, amid signs of a decline in the number of Equine Influenza (EI) cases in NSW and Queensland, Victoria’s Chief Veterinary
Hugh Millar said today.
“Providing Victoria remains free of EI and if progress continues with eradication activities, we
expect all horse owners, riders, and breeders can start planning for the progressive recovery of
horse events throughout 2008,” Dr Millar said.
Dr Millar said events are expected to resume in Victoria as part of a staggered approach to
minimise risk and additional requirements will be finalised following a period of consultation
with peak bodies.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is working with event organisers to secure the 2008 premier harness racing event, the Interdominion, held from February to March 2008 and the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, held from 2 to 6 March 2008.
“We are considering biosecurity protocols with other states that may allow interstate yearlings to enter from NSW into Victoria from early February 2008 and feature in the Premier Sale.”
Dr Millar said further national quarantine protocols for some horse movements from areas
currently affected in NSW into Victoria could be determined within the next two months.
“With very positive signs now emerging from the containment and eradication program in NSW and Queensland, we hope events will begin to return to business-as-usual in the New Year and throughout 2008,” Dr Millar said.
“We recognise the threat of EI entering Victoria is still very real and we will mitigate risks for
upcoming horse activities to ensure our EI free status is not jeopardised.”
Dr Millar said it was crucial for horse owners to stay vigilant and help authorities keep EI out of Victoria as the industry enters a stage of recovery.
“We must stay alert as EI can strike horses or club activities at any time and may result in a costly vaccination program, new quarantine measures and create further hardship for horse owners who have already made enormous sacrifices.”
Dr Millar said the horse owning community had done a tremendous job in helping to keep
Victoria free of EI, and rigorous surveillance work will continue with strict biosecurity measures at all race meetings and events.


MEDIA CONTACT: Melissah Bell, DPI Media Unit, 0439 379 557
Media release From the Department of Primary Industries Victoria
Friday, 9 November 2007

Federal Minister McGauran is responsible for ALL vaccine allocations.

To all those complaining about where vaccines go and who gets special treatment.

Lobby the actual person with the power over who gets vaccine and who doesn't . Federal Minister McGauran.

Likewise the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has cut costs and run down quarantine protection in ALL agricultural industries.

The State DPIs are the cleaners that come in after the FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS party.

Do your research
The buck stops with him and his government – full stop.

Looking for Answers

Have you now noticed the testing being carried out in Victoria for EI?

I feel we need to put in place a database and set up help for the people who need it desperately.

With stud owners that are financially burdened I feel that we could setup a sponsorship system with either the general public or other horse people who have not been finacially burdened where-is a sponsor is given the opportunity to financially support a horse(Mare and/or foal) EG: $X per week to maintain that horse on the property where it is and when EI has been brought under control and we are able to move normally again that mare becomes the property of that sponsor and the stud owner could maybe retain a % of the mare enabling a foal every 3-4 years from the mare. I personally do not want to see Australias performance foundation stock lost. All would be negotiated and sealed with a written contract.

This would immediatley ease the burden of the broodmares. Although I also see this with other performance horses too. Maybe this could be the start of a syndication programe to help Australia retain its strong field of performance horses as we know and the rest of the world does too.

In reply to the girl who thought some of the equestrian fraternity were spoil sports, you must understand that a lot of people are EXTREMELY hurting right now. There are people out there who are receiving nothing for the horses they love. They are distressed over seeing their horses go through the dreaded EI virus and losing their precious stock.. You are not soley affected as you have your business split over two sides of the industry and so therefore have the fortunate opportunity to go forward with the racing side and continue in your work.

We too in the sporthorse, performance and leisure industry wish to return to work and realistically I personally applaud the racehorse industry for their quick damage control procedures but it is a slightly bit DISCRIMITIVE that the DPI allows vaccination of racehorses (Not Negotiable) but not of any other. Did you put your horses down as EFA registered horses when the syringe came around or were they racehorses again? You see we just want to go back to doing what we do best!

Also I should say that myself and 11 other equine industry workers had a phone conference with the shadow minister Kerry O'Brien
My letter,

Hon Ian Macdonald MLC, NSW Minister for Primary Industries.

Thank you for your reply. It is very appreciated.

Yes I am in the Amber Zone I agree but I am without work at this stage as I am a professional within the industry. We need Hon Ian Macdonald MLC, NSW Minister for Primary Industries, to understand that there are many people like me and we are many. The problem is the fact that if this opinion of not allowing all consenting horse owners to vaccinate continues, we will not have the strong industry we have had and there will be many people who have become unemployed, lost all that they have spent their lives obtaining and even depression and suicide may become options.

We will have horses that were worth $100,000 only worth $50,000 to $75,000, we will have a glut of unwanted horses that will be sent to horse sales all over the state at the end of this nightmare fetching between $50 to $150 in a bid to regain what they can. People within the sporthorse industry have spent relentless hours and finances to climb the ladder of fame only to have walk into the paddock to decide if it is financially more viable to feed or the price of a bullet.

Horses will and have already greatly diminished in price right across the board. Our competitions are a place where we can show the worth of our horses and like racehorses, the more they win the more they are worth, with some of our top performance horses being sold for well over the $1Million mark.

Maybe you could answer this question for me please? Does the racehorse industry go under a different DPI as I hear with racehorses it is now "Not Negotiable" about the EI vaccine, All racehorses must be vaccinated! Why is it legal/mandatory for a racehorse to be vaccinated and yet we as sporthorse, performance and leisure horse owners who wish for our horses to be vaccinated, so we too can return to work and compete, are not allowed to or illegal.

The racing industry has obviously placed a strategic plan of action into place so as an episode as this will not disturb the racing industry to this proportion again if and when EI returns and I applaud them for their damage control.

Please explain this discriminative naturein which the vaccination is being used?

And please I would dearly wish for you representing us the hardworking battling Australians and the DPI and its strategies, explain to us why there is a discrimination between racehorses and the rest of the horse population.

You can't be that naive to not realise that we are the RECYCLERS for the racing industry and we should be on the top of the list for doing so. Many a time I have bought racehorses that were sold as yearlings for $1 - $2 - $3 hundred thousand to be sold onto to me for $500!

Our industry is suffering enormously and we need for you to listen to us. You need to get us back to work not allow us to become part of the deliberating statistics that are happening here in our LUCKY country. Now with this latest mortgage hike I can only imagine the further heartache that has been placed upon the equine community. The money that has been granted for our emergency situation has been greatly accepted but has been a long time coming, and unfortunately although the racing industry is slowly getting back on track, the rest of us are still at ground Zero so much more must be widely distributed and continuously if you want us NOT to become a statistic.

Please you must not be responsible for the demise of the of the equine sporthorse, performance and leisure multi-million dollar industry.

It maybe well into 2008 maybe closer to 2009 that we would return to as we know it without the enormous drive we had due to fact that most of us will be broken, financially and/or emotionally.

Yours sincerely
Tracy Stead Equestrian Services
NCAS EFA Riding Coach & Equine Trainer

Victorian DPI Situation Report - Nov 08

http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_upload/files/vic%20dpi%20sitrep%20nov%2008.pdf

EI Vaccine and micro-chipping costs covered by DPI&F

Liz Buchanan, Thursday, 8 November 2007

Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Media Release Thursday 8 November 2007

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is footing the bill for approved performance and pleasure horses to be micro chipped and vaccinated and is paying vets $35 per horse to get the job done.

Dr Glanville today clarified the funding arrangements for the equine influenza vaccine, as applications from Queensland’s performance and pleasure horse industry continued to pour in.

“The cost of all vaccinations and micro-chipping within Queensland’s red zone is covered by national cost-sharing arrangements,” Dr Ron Glanville said.

“This includes the $35 we pay to vets to administer the vaccine – an essential part of our ongoing eradication strategy.”
Peter Toft, Chairman of the newly-formed Performance and Pleasure Horse industry group, also urged horse owners to ‘get the facts’ on vaccination costs.

“We are very grateful to the Government for covering 100% of the costs of the vaccine and micro-chipping,” he said.

“While DPI&F is paying for the vaccination, horse owners need to negotiate with their vets the costs of the routine call-out fee, just as they would with any other veterinary visit. “If a private vet charges a call out fee to come to the property as part of the vaccination, it has always been the horse owner’s responsibility to cover this payment, and to negotiate that fee with their own vet.

“The Performance and Pleasure Horse Industry has been working with vets to negotiate a recommended call-out fee and the amount we’ve come to is $100 per property (plus travel and GST) – an acceptable ball-park figure for horse owners.

“Vaccination brings us one step closer to being able to run events again and it is a critical part of eradicating this terrible virus.

“Please do not let misinformation about vaccination costs get in the way of submitting an application.

“Thank you for your patience during this time and for respecting the enormous task by the private and public sectors in rolling out the vaccine to 26,000 horses within our industry.

“Please maintain good biosecurity and stay vigilant – this is critical if we are to have an EI-free future ahead of us,” Mr Toft said.

Horse owners wanting to apply for the vaccine should visit the DPI&F website http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/ to check if they meet the criteria or call 13 25 23.

EI Q&A re re-infection

Liz Buchanan, Thursday, 8 November 2007

Dr. Ian Douglas, a scientific vet with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, provided the following answers in response to questions regarding a second dose of horse flu, and the immunity of a horse that had been naturally infected with Equine Influenza.

The Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries have endorsed the release of this information to help bust myths regarding EI re-infections and the like.

"I am very confident that horses in Qld are not getting a second dose of 'flu. But the secondary complications are being reported regularly and are, for the most part, bacterial in nature (as opposed to the viral EI with a life span of 7-10 days). There are a range of viral infections that cause respiratory disease in Qld horses normally and these will continue to circulate, maybe even finding more ready victims in horses that are immuno-suppressed by EI.

"The immunity created by natural infection is very strong, certainly compared to any vaccine. Imagine that the horse is "full" of virus during natural disease compared to a couple of mls in the neck with vaccination. The stimulus to the immune system is much, much greater. This virus produces three separate modes of immune response - antibodies as we would expect and can easily measure, cells that are trained to 'gobble' up the virus (pacman style) and chemicals that are released and kill the virus. I would expect a couple of years of immunity following natural infection at least.

"The rider here is that should the virus change (mutate) significantly, then the animal might be susceptible again - it might no longer recognise the new strain as the same as the one it built immunity to. EI is a relatively stable influenza virus but clearly it does mutate (in places where it is always circulating like the UK).

"The chances of mutation are increased with every passage of the virus through a horse and curiously aided by the immune status of the population (vaccines etc). So if the virus doesn’t change, vaccination may stop it in its tracks, but a minor change in the virus that makes the vaccine-created immune response ineffective and the new virus can be 'selected' and proliferate in the animal.

"Experts doubt that this would happen in Australia for at least twelve months. "Vaccination of a previously infected horse would be of no benefit to the horse.

"Vaccination is not 100% effective and if we move vaccinated horses wily nily on the presumption that they are 'safe' to move, we will undoubtedly have problems ."
Cheers
Ian Douglas

Vaccination and Micro Chipping Update - Survey Included

Thursday, 8 November 2007
VACCINATION and MICROCHIPPING 8-11-2007

Following a meeting in Orange last Tuesday between the EFA and DPI we can advise members of the following:
Amber and Green Zone horses which will be competing in 2008 need to be both vaccinated and micro chipped at owners’ expense by private vets.

EFA is undertaking a survey which Vicki Burgess has circulated on behalf of the EFA to help ascertain vital information regarding horses on properties around NSW. Click here for survey.We need to vaccinate and microchip all horses on each property where there is a horse wishing to compete in 2008. We need to know the numbers of horses on each property because we must order the appropriate doses of vaccine and microchips.Please fill in the survey as soon as you can.

We are still in discussion with DPI about the situation of horses on infected properties. Although in most cases all horses on the property contracted the disease, DPI was not able to test on all properties infected. This particularly applies in the Hawkesbury where too many properties and horses were infected for the resources available to DPI. This means that it is likely that all horses on infected properties will need blood testing to prove 'seropositive status' before they can compete. Once established this status will last for a period of 9 months. Then the horse will need to be vaccinated if it is to remain in competition. This outcome is not what we had hoped, but it is realistic.

The administrative difficulties of sorting out which properties were tested and which were infected but not tested is a lengthy undertaking. It is likely to mean that competition is very significantly delayed. The amount of paperwork involved for event organisers sorting out the differing immune status of horses is also very confronting. EFA recognises that the cost of a blood test now is a further impost on a fairly delicate financial tightrope but the alternative is very significant delay in events being up and running.

At this stage it is our advice that members wanting to take part in competition in 2008 should arrange for their horses to be blood tested and micro chipped if they were infected and vaccinated and micro chipped if they were not infected. That advice applies to all zones.

Thanks for your understanding and support in this effort to get the industry back on its feet.

EFA NSW

4-5 Feb 2008 - FEI Event at SIEC

Christine Haigh, EFA National Office, Wednesday, 7 November 2007

Expressions of interest are being called for competitions to be held in conjunction with the Regional Dressage Team Qualifier/Assessment, which is now scheduled for 4-5 Feb 2008.

Following the cancellation of the of the Regional Dressage Team Qualifier in October 2007, the Ground Jury will travel to Australia to assess Australian-based horses/riders selected to represent Australia in the Team Assessment. The venue for assessment is Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC).

The judges will also be available to judge and assess other Australian riders who wish to ride the Grand prix. All combinations riding the Grand Prix will be eligible for MES and World Cup Rankings. An Intermediate II competition will be available as a warm-up for the Grand Prix horses.
A fitness Inspection will take place for all horses entered in the Grand Prix. This is scheduled to take place on Sunday afternoon, 3 February (subject to the arrival time of the judges).

If there is sufficient rider interest, Small Tour competitions will be held in addition to the Grand Prix.

The EFA is calling for nominations from competitors who wish to be considered to take part in the event. Participation will be limited and the National Selectors will select the combinations to take part.

Tentative Program of Events Sunday, 3 February 2008 Fitness Inspection (late afternoon) Warm-up Intermediate II competition

Monday, 4 February 2008 Grand Prix (am) (Team horses followed by other GP combinations) Prix St Georges – to be confirmed (pm)

Tuesday, 5 February 2008 Grand Prix Freestyle (am) Intermediate 1 – to be confirmed (pm)

Please note: This program is based on all the Team horses being assessed at SIEC. Due to EI-induced horse movement restrictions, this schedule may be altered if the judges have to travel to other EI zones/States to assess Team horses.

Expressions of interest are required to confirm which competitions are to be held. The competition schedule will be confirmed closer to the event date.

Equine Influenza Specific information relating to equine influenza, including details of horses’ vaccination status, will be required at a later date.

Closing Date For EOI Closing date for expressions of interest is 20 November 2007. Please complete the EOI form (PDF or MS Word) and return to Toni Venhaus via fax (02) 8824 8069.

Entry Fees The intention is not to charge entry fees for any of the competitions. Competitors who are not on the current National Squads will be required to cover their own costs for stabling and camping. More details and booking forms for stabling and camping will be available as soon as they are finalised.

Enquiries All enquiries to: Toni Venhaus T: (02) 8824 8065 F: (02) 8824 8069 E: tvenhaus@tpg.com.au

Victorian EFA

Anita Smith, Wednesday, 7 November 2007
EFA Jumping event 11 November 2007 DRAW !!
Draw
75cm click here
1.05 click here
The jumping will proceed as per normal, DPI have not set up the quarantine zone.
I am looking forward to seeing you all this weekend.
Regards
Annie White- Jumping Coordinator

Equine Influenza Inquiry

Hearings

A Preliminary Hearing was held at 10.00 a.m., Wednesday 3 October 2007 in Hearing Room 1, Level 5, 55 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales. Please see the transcript of the hearing at the Transcripts page. A directions hearing will be held at 10.00am on Thursday 8 November 2007 to hear any further applications for leave to appear as a party before the Inquiry and to advise parties and others of the course of evidence that will be led from witnesses.

The first witnesses will be called in hearings commencing at 10.00am on Tuesday 13 November 2007.

Current planning is that hearings will commence at 10.00am each day from Tuesday 13 November 2007 to Friday 16 November 2007. In subsequent weeks until 13 December 2007, hearings are planned to commence at 10.00 am on each day from Monday to Thursday inclusive.

All hearings of the Inquiry will be in Hearing Room 1, Level 5, 55 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales unless otherwise specified on this website.