Victorian DPI Situation Report - Nov 12
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Monday 12 November 2007
PIRSA Media Release - SA Focus on recovery from horse flu - 12th Nov
MEDIA RELEASE Monday 12 November, 2007
Primary Industries and Resources SA expects non-racing horse events to resume early in 2008.
However, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley says it will be contingent on the situation in New South Wales and Queensland continuing to improve, there being no equine influenza outbreaks in South Australia and other states/territories remaining free of the virus.
Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) will phase in the following changes over the next two months:
• The permit system for transporting vaccinated and non-vaccinated horses into South Australia from non-infected states will change to a Horse Health Statement.
• Riders/owners wanting to attend equestrian events will be required to obtain a Horse Health Statement.
• The permit system for events will continue, but with changes to help equestrian organisations resume activities.
Horse organisations and individuals will be required to play a lead role in self-managing their biosecurity and contingency planning and PIRSA will conduct audits of events to check compliance.
Currently, equestrian organisations are being asked to cancel or postpone events until 31 December 2007 to reduce the risk of an outbreak in SA.
"For as long as equine influenza remains in Australia, South Australian horses remain at risk," Dr Rahaley said. "However, it is likely that efforts to eradicate the virus will continue interstate well into 2008. I understand that if SA equestrian organisations can't hold any events, they may suffer cash low issues from declining memberships.
"PIRSA has worked with the horse industry to develop effective security measures that will facilitate a progressive resumption of horse activities by January 2008."
It would be a requirement that event organisers seek permits for their events with PIRSA at least a fortnight prior to it being held, in order to provide competitors with biosecurity and other information relating to on-site procedures at events.
Competitors would also need to have a current Horse Health Statement that will include the permit number of the event they plan to attend which can be checked on arrival at an event or in transit by PIRSA compliance officers and/or police officers. They will also need to agree to the on site biosecurity and understand the implications of a quarantine or a stock standstill being declared that prevents them leaving the facility.
Requirements for the movement of horses between South Australia and other non-affected jurisdictions (Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Northern Territory) will also be eased before the end of November.
Dr Rahaley said in the event of a horse flu outbreak in South Australia, it would be necessary to have systems in place to track horses and competitors. "We hope it never happens, but if there was an outbreak here, we would need to be able to trace people and animals quickly and the permit system for events and the Horse Health Statements will allow for that. This will assist us in limiting the spread of disease and minimising the impact on the industry, " he said.
The PIRSA web site – www.pir.gov.au/horseflu will be progressively updated as the new policies come into force.
For people wanting more information:
• PIRSA website – www.pir.sa.gov.au/horseflu
• PIRSA hotline – 1800 675 888
• Their equestrian clubs and associations
• Horse SA 0402 488 306
Supplied by PIRSA 12th November 2007.
Primary Industries and Resources SA expects non-racing horse events to resume early in 2008.
However, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley says it will be contingent on the situation in New South Wales and Queensland continuing to improve, there being no equine influenza outbreaks in South Australia and other states/territories remaining free of the virus.
Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) will phase in the following changes over the next two months:
• The permit system for transporting vaccinated and non-vaccinated horses into South Australia from non-infected states will change to a Horse Health Statement.
• Riders/owners wanting to attend equestrian events will be required to obtain a Horse Health Statement.
• The permit system for events will continue, but with changes to help equestrian organisations resume activities.
Horse organisations and individuals will be required to play a lead role in self-managing their biosecurity and contingency planning and PIRSA will conduct audits of events to check compliance.
Currently, equestrian organisations are being asked to cancel or postpone events until 31 December 2007 to reduce the risk of an outbreak in SA.
"For as long as equine influenza remains in Australia, South Australian horses remain at risk," Dr Rahaley said. "However, it is likely that efforts to eradicate the virus will continue interstate well into 2008. I understand that if SA equestrian organisations can't hold any events, they may suffer cash low issues from declining memberships.
"PIRSA has worked with the horse industry to develop effective security measures that will facilitate a progressive resumption of horse activities by January 2008."
It would be a requirement that event organisers seek permits for their events with PIRSA at least a fortnight prior to it being held, in order to provide competitors with biosecurity and other information relating to on-site procedures at events.
Competitors would also need to have a current Horse Health Statement that will include the permit number of the event they plan to attend which can be checked on arrival at an event or in transit by PIRSA compliance officers and/or police officers. They will also need to agree to the on site biosecurity and understand the implications of a quarantine or a stock standstill being declared that prevents them leaving the facility.
Requirements for the movement of horses between South Australia and other non-affected jurisdictions (Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Northern Territory) will also be eased before the end of November.
Dr Rahaley said in the event of a horse flu outbreak in South Australia, it would be necessary to have systems in place to track horses and competitors. "We hope it never happens, but if there was an outbreak here, we would need to be able to trace people and animals quickly and the permit system for events and the Horse Health Statements will allow for that. This will assist us in limiting the spread of disease and minimising the impact on the industry, " he said.
The PIRSA web site – www.pir.gov.au/horseflu will be progressively updated as the new policies come into force.
For people wanting more information:
• PIRSA website – www.pir.sa.gov.au/horseflu
• PIRSA hotline – 1800 675 888
• Their equestrian clubs and associations
• Horse SA 0402 488 306
Supplied by PIRSA 12th November 2007.
posted by Horse Deals Reader at
1:45 pm
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Are we "REALLY WINNING" this battle ???
It seems every time I listen to our local news report here in Orange, I hear of another NEW outbreak of this virus in our district. How many more new outbreaks will we have to endure before the DPI decide to vaccinate more effectively. I realise it's human complacency at fault here, but unfortunately that is something that can't be taken out of the equation, so something more needs to be implemented. These outbreaks all seem to be happening on the fringes of amber/green zones, a supposedly clean area.
I now read that Tasmanian race horses will all be vaccinated so they can hold their summer racing carnival and sales - hello, isn't the vaccine in short supply ??? Why are we using it on horses that aren't at risk, when horses in the purple & red zones that haven't had EI, can't get access to it. The DPI were asking for details of uninfected horses in those areas so they could be vaccinated to help boost buffer areas, but I know a lot of people who are having a battle trying to get their horses done. Was the DPI just wasting those peoples time getting them to fill in those forms ?? Maybe that was supposed to be a sweetener to make it look like they cared, but most forms seem to be getting lost in all the red tape.
This is now getting beyond a joke. Yeah, I don't particularly want to live with EI, but I'm sick of being a DPI toy thing. I'm thinking that they'll be bored with "toy" this soon enough and we'll all be told that due to people spreading this virus, they have no hope of controlling it so we'll all just have to suck it and live with it.
I'm sick of being told that plans are being put in place to free up this or that, when in reality, the plans never make it out of the building. I was told a month ago, that they should have a plan in place in a couple of weeks, to be able to move horses that are immune (i.e. Had EI and recovered) back to their homes outside the purple and red zones.......still waiting to hear back from them, but what do they care, its not their money that's paying the agistment etc costs. If they think I'm starting to sound bitter and angry, they'd be right. I'm not asking much, all I want is to know when I can bring my horse home & maybe be hopeful enough to start working him in preparation for a show sometime in 2008....or is that being presumptuous of me ???
Just wondering, are we really getting on top of EI, or are we just kidding ourselves and we'll end up living with it after "sacrificing everything" anyway ?
Maddy R
I now read that Tasmanian race horses will all be vaccinated so they can hold their summer racing carnival and sales - hello, isn't the vaccine in short supply ??? Why are we using it on horses that aren't at risk, when horses in the purple & red zones that haven't had EI, can't get access to it. The DPI were asking for details of uninfected horses in those areas so they could be vaccinated to help boost buffer areas, but I know a lot of people who are having a battle trying to get their horses done. Was the DPI just wasting those peoples time getting them to fill in those forms ?? Maybe that was supposed to be a sweetener to make it look like they cared, but most forms seem to be getting lost in all the red tape.
This is now getting beyond a joke. Yeah, I don't particularly want to live with EI, but I'm sick of being a DPI toy thing. I'm thinking that they'll be bored with "toy" this soon enough and we'll all be told that due to people spreading this virus, they have no hope of controlling it so we'll all just have to suck it and live with it.
I'm sick of being told that plans are being put in place to free up this or that, when in reality, the plans never make it out of the building. I was told a month ago, that they should have a plan in place in a couple of weeks, to be able to move horses that are immune (i.e. Had EI and recovered) back to their homes outside the purple and red zones.......still waiting to hear back from them, but what do they care, its not their money that's paying the agistment etc costs. If they think I'm starting to sound bitter and angry, they'd be right. I'm not asking much, all I want is to know when I can bring my horse home & maybe be hopeful enough to start working him in preparation for a show sometime in 2008....or is that being presumptuous of me ???
Just wondering, are we really getting on top of EI, or are we just kidding ourselves and we'll end up living with it after "sacrificing everything" anyway ?
Maddy R
posted by Horse Deals at
1:31 pm
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FYI - NSW Amber Zone
The only events allowed in the Amber Zone are approved race meetings.
Horse racing meetings may be approved by the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and permits issued for moving horses to and from the race in the Amber Zone.
From the www.dpi.nsw.gov.au website
Horse racing meetings may be approved by the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and permits issued for moving horses to and from the race in the Amber Zone.
From the www.dpi.nsw.gov.au website
posted by Horse Deals Reader at
11:53 am
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Insight into the initial spread of equine influenza in NSW
This video provides insight into the initial spread of equine influenza in NSW and its containment.
The video is a day-by-day chart of infection since the start of the outbreak to the end of October, showing each new infected property as it occurs and the concentration of infections in particular areas across the state.
It is narrated by NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Ian Roth.
One of the key messages of the video is that the most recent outbreaks of infection have occurred due to the virus being carried on people or equipment rather than on horses - thus proving the importance of personal cleanliness and disinfection in the battle against the disease.
***Very Interesting and worth downloading to watch***
Click here to watch the spread of EI
Transcript
A movement lockdown was introduced immediately in NSW on August the 25th, when equine influenza was first diagnosed in Sydney.
Over the next few days the number of properties with infected horses rapidly increased as DPI veterinary investigations revealed new cases throughout the Sydney basin, central coast, northern tablelands and north west NSW.
These infections were mainly due to contact with other infected horses before the virus was detected, on the 25th. People unwittingly carrying the virus and airborne spread over short distances also allowed the virus to spread.
Movement and quarantine restrictions initially kept most new infections close to already infected properties, although a few infections caused by prior horse movements soon appeared much further away in new areas such as Dubbo and Mudgee.
Infection quickly spread though the Dubbo district where large numbers of horses are in close proximity, at Mudgee where the horse population is less concentrated and there was much better adherence to quarantine standards and bio security the spread was much slower.
In early October new infections were confirmed at Barmedman and at Wellington. The distance from other infected properties indicates the virus was transferred on people or equipment to these locations. Strict adherence to mandatory biosecurity precautions would have prevented these new pockets from developing.
The number of new infected properties increased until the 26th of September and has steadily decreased since, vaccination has helped greatly with this process.
By the end of October the declining rate of new infections indicated that the DPI control strategy was slowly containing this highly infectious equine influenza virus.
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
The video is a day-by-day chart of infection since the start of the outbreak to the end of October, showing each new infected property as it occurs and the concentration of infections in particular areas across the state.
It is narrated by NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Ian Roth.
One of the key messages of the video is that the most recent outbreaks of infection have occurred due to the virus being carried on people or equipment rather than on horses - thus proving the importance of personal cleanliness and disinfection in the battle against the disease.
***Very Interesting and worth downloading to watch***
Click here to watch the spread of EI
Transcript
A movement lockdown was introduced immediately in NSW on August the 25th, when equine influenza was first diagnosed in Sydney.
Over the next few days the number of properties with infected horses rapidly increased as DPI veterinary investigations revealed new cases throughout the Sydney basin, central coast, northern tablelands and north west NSW.
These infections were mainly due to contact with other infected horses before the virus was detected, on the 25th. People unwittingly carrying the virus and airborne spread over short distances also allowed the virus to spread.
Movement and quarantine restrictions initially kept most new infections close to already infected properties, although a few infections caused by prior horse movements soon appeared much further away in new areas such as Dubbo and Mudgee.
Infection quickly spread though the Dubbo district where large numbers of horses are in close proximity, at Mudgee where the horse population is less concentrated and there was much better adherence to quarantine standards and bio security the spread was much slower.
In early October new infections were confirmed at Barmedman and at Wellington. The distance from other infected properties indicates the virus was transferred on people or equipment to these locations. Strict adherence to mandatory biosecurity precautions would have prevented these new pockets from developing.
The number of new infected properties increased until the 26th of September and has steadily decreased since, vaccination has helped greatly with this process.
By the end of October the declining rate of new infections indicated that the DPI control strategy was slowly containing this highly infectious equine influenza virus.
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
posted by Horse Deals Reader at
11:46 am
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Australian Horse Population 25 Sep 2007
According to a Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation study in 2001, there were over 672,000 registered horses in Australia and 300,000 feral horses. The table below displays the breakdown of breeds on a national basis, and estimated figures for New South Wales
Australian Horse Population
Breed Australia NSW
Thoroughbreds---108,000-------43,200
Standardbred------47,000--------18,800
Arabians-----------102,000--------40,800
Stock Horses------145,000--------58,000
Quarter Horses----87,000--------34,800
Warmbloods-------10,000---------4,000
Appaloosas---------34,000--------13,600
Australian Pony---80,000--------32,000
Other---------------59,000---------23,600
TOTAL-------------672,200-------268,800
Australian Horse Population
Breed Australia NSW
Thoroughbreds---108,000-------43,200
Standardbred------47,000--------18,800
Arabians-----------102,000--------40,800
Stock Horses------145,000--------58,000
Quarter Horses----87,000--------34,800
Warmbloods-------10,000---------4,000
Appaloosas---------34,000--------13,600
Australian Pony---80,000--------32,000
Other---------------59,000---------23,600
TOTAL-------------672,200-------268,800
posted by Horse Deals Reader at
11:02 am
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Purple zone update
Movements into the NSW Purple Zone came to a halt at midnight on October 31.
However, TB mare owners who now have their mares inside the Purple Zone can still make arrangements to move within the Zone using the Bulk Movement Permits in place with the horse transport companies. Remember that once inside the Purple Zone the mare must stay until movement out of the zone is allowed.
Horse transporters can be of great assistance to the mare owner in this
http://www.turfmonthly.com.au/article.asp?id=1851
However, TB mare owners who now have their mares inside the Purple Zone can still make arrangements to move within the Zone using the Bulk Movement Permits in place with the horse transport companies. Remember that once inside the Purple Zone the mare must stay until movement out of the zone is allowed.
Horse transporters can be of great assistance to the mare owner in this
http://www.turfmonthly.com.au/article.asp?id=1851
posted by Horse Deals Reader at
10:58 am
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EI inquiry resumes Tuesday
SYDNEY – Upper Hunter Valley Stud representatives including Tom Magnier of Coolmore and Adrian O’Brien, assistant stud manager at the Jerry’s Plains property, are expected to appear at the Callinan Federal Inquiry into how Equine Influenza (EI) entered Australia.
The inquiry resumes on Tuesday in Sydney.
Counsel assisting the inquiry, Tony Meagher SC, told commissioner Ian Callinan QC that Since the inquiry began on October 3, inquiry staff had interviewed more than 150 people and in excess of 30,000 documents have already been provided to the Inquiry.
“The early witnesses will include Julian Cornter who is the Sydney flight operations manager of International Racehorse Transport; John Sunderland, the stud manager of Darley Stud, Australia; Martin Story, who is the financial controller for the Arrowfield group,” Meagher said.
“Each of these people attended the airport when these horses arrived - some once, some more than once. Mr Adrian O'Brien, who is the assistant stud manager at Coolmore; and Mr Tom Magnier, who is the business and racing manager at Coolmore and the son of the owner of the Coolmore Stud,” he said.
The inquiry will firstly hear from Dr James Gilkerson, who is the director of the Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory at the University of Melbourne.
“Dr Gilkerson will deal with the nature of the disease, how it is spread, the role that vaccination plays and the ways in which it might be detected,” Meagher said.
Three AQIS witnesses including Jenni Gordon, executive manager, quarantine with AQIS, will also give evidence.
The Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) was given leave to appear along with the Master Farriers Association and transport companies
Representatives of Randwick Equine Centre and the veterinarians
associated with the centre have also been granted leave to appear at the inquiry.
http://www.turfmonthly.com.au
The inquiry resumes on Tuesday in Sydney.
Counsel assisting the inquiry, Tony Meagher SC, told commissioner Ian Callinan QC that Since the inquiry began on October 3, inquiry staff had interviewed more than 150 people and in excess of 30,000 documents have already been provided to the Inquiry.
“The early witnesses will include Julian Cornter who is the Sydney flight operations manager of International Racehorse Transport; John Sunderland, the stud manager of Darley Stud, Australia; Martin Story, who is the financial controller for the Arrowfield group,” Meagher said.
“Each of these people attended the airport when these horses arrived - some once, some more than once. Mr Adrian O'Brien, who is the assistant stud manager at Coolmore; and Mr Tom Magnier, who is the business and racing manager at Coolmore and the son of the owner of the Coolmore Stud,” he said.
The inquiry will firstly hear from Dr James Gilkerson, who is the director of the Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory at the University of Melbourne.
“Dr Gilkerson will deal with the nature of the disease, how it is spread, the role that vaccination plays and the ways in which it might be detected,” Meagher said.
Three AQIS witnesses including Jenni Gordon, executive manager, quarantine with AQIS, will also give evidence.
The Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) was given leave to appear along with the Master Farriers Association and transport companies
Representatives of Randwick Equine Centre and the veterinarians
associated with the centre have also been granted leave to appear at the inquiry.
http://www.turfmonthly.com.au
posted by Horse Deals Reader at
10:55 am
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Qld Blood-Tests 700 As Horse Movement Begins
Queensland Racing announced it "has taken approximately 700 serological (blood) tests from thoroughbred racehorses in the Hendra & Deagon racing precincts to confirm their immunity to equine influenza", as approved movements of thoroughbred racehorses commenced on Friday. QR chief operations manager Malcolm Tuttle noted: "The purpose of the blood tests is to ensure all thoroughbred racehorses in the Hendra & Deagon precincts had come into contact with EI & as a result, developed the necessary level of immunity to the virus." Tuttle added: "All systems are go for the December 1 resumption of racing in South East Queensland & the blood testing of horses & the movement which occurs from now on, are vital steps to ensure that racing gets back on track."
http://www.breedingracing.com.au/
http://www.breedingracing.com.au/
posted by Horse Deals Reader at
10:51 am
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Wyong & Goulburn To Begin Racing
Racing NSW announced racing will return to Wyong on Saturday (November 17) & the "meeting is open to the public". In addition, Goulburn's 1st race meeting since the equine influenza outbreak will be the Goulburn Workers Club Anniversary Cup Day (Sunday November 25) & "at this stage the meeting is open to all horses in the Green Zone including Canberra-trained horses & Racing NSW is currently in discussions with the Department Of primary Industries to have the meeting opened to horses in the Amber Zone as well".
http://www.breedingracing.com.au/
http://www.breedingracing.com.au/
posted by Horse Deals Reader at
10:49 am
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Qld DPI Report
11 November AM: There are 2164 Infected Properties (IP's) in Queensland, with 7 new IP's registered, however there has been a further reduction of 7 IP's due to properties previously classified as IPs have changed status to R (Resolved), meaning they have met the criteria set down that we are confident that horses on the property are no longer shedding virus.
posted by Horse Deals at
8:39 am
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Crowther horses come down with flu
11 Nov 2007
A property at Crowther south east of Grenfell in the Central West has been quarantined following positive test results from one horse for equine influenza (EI).
A restricted area has been declared around the infected property and the status of the area has been changed from an amber to a red zone.
NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Steve Dunn, said part of the Green Zone near Booroowa and Binalong had been changed to amber to maintain an adequate buffer between the infected property and the green zone.
“Horse owners in the area which has changed from green to amber will no longer be able to move their horse with only a Travelling Horse Statement,” Mr Dunn said.
“They will need a permit from the Rural Lands Protection Board to move only within the Amber area.
“Property owners around Crowther, Booroowa or Binalong who may be unsure which zone they are in can call the EI hotline on 1800 675 888 or go to the website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza.
NSW Department of Primary Industries surveillance teams are tracing movements to identify any other infected horses in the area. There are currently six infected properties in the Grenfell and Crowther cluster.
NSW DPI deployed vaccination teams yesterday morning to begin creating a vaccination buffer to stop the disease spreading south.
“We are mounting a swift response to this cluster of infection,” said Mr Dunn.
Horse owners in the vaccination buffer around Grenfell and Crowther can call the vaccination centre on 6850 2929 or they can contact the NSW EI hotline, 1800 675 888, for more information.
A property at Crowther south east of Grenfell in the Central West has been quarantined following positive test results from one horse for equine influenza (EI).
A restricted area has been declared around the infected property and the status of the area has been changed from an amber to a red zone.
NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Steve Dunn, said part of the Green Zone near Booroowa and Binalong had been changed to amber to maintain an adequate buffer between the infected property and the green zone.
“Horse owners in the area which has changed from green to amber will no longer be able to move their horse with only a Travelling Horse Statement,” Mr Dunn said.
“They will need a permit from the Rural Lands Protection Board to move only within the Amber area.
“Property owners around Crowther, Booroowa or Binalong who may be unsure which zone they are in can call the EI hotline on 1800 675 888 or go to the website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza.
NSW Department of Primary Industries surveillance teams are tracing movements to identify any other infected horses in the area. There are currently six infected properties in the Grenfell and Crowther cluster.
NSW DPI deployed vaccination teams yesterday morning to begin creating a vaccination buffer to stop the disease spreading south.
“We are mounting a swift response to this cluster of infection,” said Mr Dunn.
Horse owners in the vaccination buffer around Grenfell and Crowther can call the vaccination centre on 6850 2929 or they can contact the NSW EI hotline, 1800 675 888, for more information.
posted by Horse Deals at
8:36 am
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Land Line Report
Not all is well with Australia's racing, pleasure and performance horse industries. Although equine influenza appears to be contained in New South Wales and Queensland, the economic consequences of the viral outbreak, are still being sharply felt. Horse flu has ruined hundreds of small businesses and destroyed the livelihoods of many workers but the monetary cost is only part of the story.
Just follow this link then just use the video links.
There is a link for hi and low resolutions and also real player and windows media player. If you are on a dial up connection on a PC use windows lo most broadband uses on a pc use windows hi.
Just follow this link then just use the video links.
There is a link for hi and low resolutions and also real player and windows media player. If you are on a dial up connection on a PC use windows lo most broadband uses on a pc use windows hi.
posted by Horse Deals at
6:57 am
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What must I do if I suspect my horse has Equine Influenza?
Equine Influenza is a Notifiable Disease in all of New South Wales.
Failing to notify a suspected case of Equine Influenza is a crime with a maximum penalty of $22,000.
Read more.
Failing to notify a suspected case of Equine Influenza is a crime with a maximum penalty of $22,000.
Read more.
posted by Horse Deals at
6:55 am
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Dead US pony linked to flu riddle
THE mysterious death of a Shetland pony in Los Angeles three months ago may help solve the puzzle of how equine influenza reached Australia.The 13-year-old mare was found dead in its stall on August 20 after arriving on a cargo plane from Melbourne via Auckland - three days after horses at the Eastern Creek Quarantine Station in Sydney showed symptoms of horse flu and five days before the outbreak was made public.
Although there had been no contact with the sick imported horses, which arrived on August 7, an Adelaide equine expert believes the pony could have been infected by equipment or staff used by the transport company which handled both deliveries.
The autopsy by the Californian Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, obtained by the Herald, does not give a cause of death but rules out a bacterial infection and poisoning. It also notes: "Female pony submitted with a history of acute onset of disease while in quarantine, characterised by high temperature, recumbency, respiratory distress and death."
Elizabeth Woolsey Herbert from the Adelaide Plains Equine Clinic, which tested the pony for equine infectious anaemia before it left, insists the death should be investigated by the commission of inquiry headed by the retired High Court judge, Ian Callinan, which resumes next week.
posted by Horse Deals at
6:51 am
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Vaccine saves summer racing carnival
Two thousand equine influenza vaccines will arrive in Tasmania in the next few days.The vaccines will be distributed by the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council.
Yearlings and race horses will be given priority.
Tasmania's Racing Minister, Michael Aird, said it will ensure all horses competing in the summer racing carnival and those offered in the yearling sales will be inoculated by the end of the month.
posted by Horse Deals at
6:42 am
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DPI Meeting Bateman's Bay
Meeting with the DPI
Where: Bateman's Bay Community Centre, NSW
When: 26th of November Time: 7 pm
The DPI has been invited to a community meeting to discuss the Equine Influenza impact on our community and to discuss what is the current status and where the future is taking us. People will be invited to ask questions and a video will be displayed. One of the delegates has had first hand experience with the current out break. This opportunity is important for the horse community, in the immediate and surrounding areas, to be heard so that the DPI can take back a clear understanding as to your view to the government. Make sure you attend.
Where: Bateman's Bay Community Centre, NSW
When: 26th of November Time: 7 pm
The DPI has been invited to a community meeting to discuss the Equine Influenza impact on our community and to discuss what is the current status and where the future is taking us. People will be invited to ask questions and a video will be displayed. One of the delegates has had first hand experience with the current out break. This opportunity is important for the horse community, in the immediate and surrounding areas, to be heard so that the DPI can take back a clear understanding as to your view to the government. Make sure you attend.
posted by Horse Deals at
6:40 am
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Kevin Rudd Labor
This a letter I received from The labor Party in regards to my questions re EI.
R Morris
Dear R Morris,
Thank you for you e-mail to Kevin Rudd regarding the Equine Influenza (EI) and the effects it is having on ordinary horse owners.
Federal Labor has consistently called on the Howard Government to make the Callinan inquiry into EI as open as possible and to make sure the findings of the inquiry are tabled in Parliament so that they become public documents. A Rudd Labor Government will table any reports and recommendations of the Callinan inquiry to Parliament and will thereby make them public documents.
A Rudd Labor Government will work closely with the racing and recreational horse industries to deal with the consequences of the EI outbreak and to develop any financial support packages that may be required.
The Labor Party appreciates the contribution recreational horse owners make across Australia. The equestrian sport alone has an estimated economic impact of one billion dollars, with more than 70,000 horses and 17,500 participants registered with the Equestrian Federation of Australia.
While the effects of the EI outbreak have been most keenly felt in NSW and Queensland there have also been significant impacts across the rest of the country.
Federal Labor is particularly concerned about job-losses and financial distress facing many thousands of Australians, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the equine influenza outbreak.
Individuals from across the country have been deeply affected by the travel bans, cancellation of sporting or recreational events and financial burden placed upon them by EI.
The Howard Government has consistently denied responsibility for the outbreak, failed to work constructively with the states for a consistent national approach and failed to provide important information to those affected by EI.
However, Federal Labor remains concerned that the EI outbreak may have been caused by a breach of Australia’s quarantine at the Eastern Creek facility.
The Australian Racing Board in 2004 and 2005 raised concerns about government's plan to downgrade quarantine standards for horses.
Federal Labor is concerned that the EI outbreak is part of a broader failure by the Howard Government to protect Australia against imported diseases.
EI is not the only quarantine scandal that has occurred under the Howard Government. Since 1999 there has been outbreaks of white spot disease in prawns in Darwin in 2000, black sigatoka in bananas in 2001, fire ants in 2001, small hive beetle affecting bees in 2002, citrus canker disease in 2004 and sugar cane smut in 2006.
Federal Labor looks forward to the outcome of the Callinan EI inquiry into the cause of the EI outbreak, including the possible breach of the Eastern Creek facility.
In addition, a Rudd Labor Government will conduct a high level review of Australia's biosecurity arrangements to ensure that the risk to Australia's domestic food industries from introduced pests and diseases is minimised.
Your views are important to Labor and I would like to thank you for taking the time to write to Kevin Rudd on this important issue.
Nick Mitchell
Advisor Office of Senator
Kerry O’BrienShadow
Minister for Primary Industries
R Morris
Dear R Morris,
Thank you for you e-mail to Kevin Rudd regarding the Equine Influenza (EI) and the effects it is having on ordinary horse owners.
Federal Labor has consistently called on the Howard Government to make the Callinan inquiry into EI as open as possible and to make sure the findings of the inquiry are tabled in Parliament so that they become public documents. A Rudd Labor Government will table any reports and recommendations of the Callinan inquiry to Parliament and will thereby make them public documents.
A Rudd Labor Government will work closely with the racing and recreational horse industries to deal with the consequences of the EI outbreak and to develop any financial support packages that may be required.
The Labor Party appreciates the contribution recreational horse owners make across Australia. The equestrian sport alone has an estimated economic impact of one billion dollars, with more than 70,000 horses and 17,500 participants registered with the Equestrian Federation of Australia.
While the effects of the EI outbreak have been most keenly felt in NSW and Queensland there have also been significant impacts across the rest of the country.
Federal Labor is particularly concerned about job-losses and financial distress facing many thousands of Australians, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the equine influenza outbreak.
Individuals from across the country have been deeply affected by the travel bans, cancellation of sporting or recreational events and financial burden placed upon them by EI.
The Howard Government has consistently denied responsibility for the outbreak, failed to work constructively with the states for a consistent national approach and failed to provide important information to those affected by EI.
However, Federal Labor remains concerned that the EI outbreak may have been caused by a breach of Australia’s quarantine at the Eastern Creek facility.
The Australian Racing Board in 2004 and 2005 raised concerns about government's plan to downgrade quarantine standards for horses.
Federal Labor is concerned that the EI outbreak is part of a broader failure by the Howard Government to protect Australia against imported diseases.
EI is not the only quarantine scandal that has occurred under the Howard Government. Since 1999 there has been outbreaks of white spot disease in prawns in Darwin in 2000, black sigatoka in bananas in 2001, fire ants in 2001, small hive beetle affecting bees in 2002, citrus canker disease in 2004 and sugar cane smut in 2006.
Federal Labor looks forward to the outcome of the Callinan EI inquiry into the cause of the EI outbreak, including the possible breach of the Eastern Creek facility.
In addition, a Rudd Labor Government will conduct a high level review of Australia's biosecurity arrangements to ensure that the risk to Australia's domestic food industries from introduced pests and diseases is minimised.
Your views are important to Labor and I would like to thank you for taking the time to write to Kevin Rudd on this important issue.
Nick Mitchell
Advisor Office of Senator
Kerry O’BrienShadow
Minister for Primary Industries
posted by Horse Deals at
6:38 am
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