EI rumour puzzles trainer

TRAINER Peter Rixon is struggling to dismiss the spectre of equine influenza as he prepares for next year's InterDominion Pacing Championship in Melbourne.
Rixon is the trainer-driver of Divisive, arguably NSW's best hope of snaring Australasian harness racing's most coveted prize.
But his quest for the coveted prize will be derailed if a rumoured incident of EI on his doorstep is confirmed.
Rixon yesterday revealed he has been inundated with calls asking how his stable is coping with the virus.
"They say there is a case of it here at Pheasants Nest but, although I know most people in the district who have horses, I don't know anybody whose horses have caught the virus," he said.
"I am just trying to push it out of my mind and press ahead with my plans for the InterDominion."

  
IN the countdown to the InterDominion, NSW Harness Racing Club CEO John Dumesny says it is "crunch time" for Harold Park to be approved as a quarantine facility.
Victorian officials have decreed horses coming from Queensland and NSW, the two EI infected states, will have to complete up to a fortnight in quarantine in their home state before spending a similar term in quarantine after crossing the Victorian border.
Dumesny yesterday said his club had been frsutrated by the delay in receiving DPI approval for Harold Park as a quarantine site.
"We have nominated three horses, Divisive, Make Me Smile and Karloo Mick, as the top fancies expected to take advantage of the facility," he said.
"Time is rapidly running out for the connections of thoses horses to make arrangements for their quarantine."
Harold Park is not in a "Green Zone" which is technically the ideal place for a quarantine facility.
But it is the most appropriate precinct under the circumstances.
There has been no racing there since August, there are no horses stabled within the vicinity and no horses train on the track.
"There is no more appropriate place for these elite horses to be confined," Dumesny said.
"You can't nominate another facility in this state which is as isolated from stabling areas as Harold Park is."

By Bill Ellis
November 16, 2007 12:00am

Dear Queensland Performance & Pleasure Horse Industry Stakeholder

REPORT TO INDUSTRY – THE FIRST FIVE WEEKS 20th November, 2007.

The Queensland Performance & Pleasure Horse Industry Equine Influenza Crisis Committee originated from an Industry meeting held at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds on the 14th October 2007. Just 5 weeks ago. The formation of the Crisis Committee has arisen from the need to better engage and liaise with the Queensland Government in order to address the issues associated with EI.

We are independent of the Queensland Government but are receiving genuine support from them. We felt it is now time to present a report to you, the Performance & Pleasure Horse Industry stakeholders, to give you an insight in what has been achieved since the formation of the Crisis Committee.

Click here for the full the report

DPI must decide this week whether to bow to pressure from Hunter Valley breeders

Sales season poses great risk of EI spread

Matt Stewart
November 19, 2007 12:00am

THE spring carnival is over but equine influenza is still here, writes Matt Stewart.Complacency is now the biggest risk with this lingering threat.
The impending yearling sale season, which has been reshuffled because of EI but will still go on, poses a far greater risk of the disease spreading than the more high-profile racing season.
The Victorian Department Of Primary Industries must make a huge decision this week on interstate representation at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale in March.
Remember, Victoria is EI free. Much of New South Wales and southern Queensland isn't.
The painfully long-winded inoculation process is under way but will not protect the entire thoroughbred population at least until May.
Its effect on foals, mares and racehorses will not be fully known for at least three years.
While EI has generally been portrayed as low impact -- lethargy, snotty nose, over it in three weeks -- many horses, particularly foals, have become extremely ill in the Hunter Valley and other areas.
There have been casualties.
The spring carnival survived but the need to keep EI out of Victoria is as desperate now as it was before September.
Horses bred interstate, particularly in the EI-ravaged Hunter, represent almost half the proposed 600-strong catalogue of yearlings.
Yearlings bred in the Hunter, particularly by major farms such as Arrowfield and Coolmore, are generally at the top end of the Melbourne sale.
From a strictly commercial point of view, William Inglis and Son would be desperate to have these yearlings in Melbourne in March.
The DPI must decide this week whether to bow to pressure from Hunter Valley breeders, relax the EI protocols, and allow NSW and Queensland yearlings to travel.
William Inglis and Son must print its catalogue this week.
Inglis says it will agree with whatever strategy is outlined by the DPI -- it has no choice -- but hopes, of course, for a relaxation.
Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria president Mike Becker hopes the DPI does not take its eye off the ball just because the racing season survived.
"That's my fear. The mingling of sellers, buyers, breeders and horses who have come from EI areas means the yearling sale would be a very dangerous place for the spread of EI," Becker said.
"It has had a devastating impact interstate. There is a massive risk of spread via yearling sales. Even if the horses don't come, the risk of spread through people at the sales, given their movement on farms etc, would be enormous."
Becker said the sensible solution was that NSW yearlings being prepared for Melbourne should instead be tacked on to one of the upcoming NSW sales.
Inglis spokesman Peter Heagney said the Oaklands Junction sale venue would be subject to strict EI protocols. Still, you hope officials are as gung-ho about EI now the racing is over and the spotlight has shifted. Time will tell

Interstate horses may return in February

Michael Manley with AAP
November 20, 2007 12:00am

VICTORIA'S chief veterinary surgeon Dr Hugh Millar is optimistic horse movement between Victoria and the northern states could resume by February.

read the full story

$3000 for 4 weeks quarantine!

I have moved to victoria from qld about 6 months ago, bringing 2 of my 3 horses with me. my other horse, my daugher's polocrosse pony, was left in qld with her while she finished the year at boarding school. now he his stuck in the far north of the state. vic dpi recently announced plans to bring horses in from qld and nsw via quarantine. with 2 weeks in nsw and 2 weeks in vic. i registered to bring my daughter's horse down through this system. imagine my horror to be told this week i would have to pay $3000 for 4 weeks quarantine! with no guarantee there would be any gov't help to pay for this. i have refused to be held to ransom by the vic gov at this stage, in the hope early next year the ei crisis will be over and normal horse movement will again prevail.
Kerri Hobbs

The NSW Pleasure and Performance Horse Council

The NSW Pleasure and Performance Horse Council is the representative body for all NSW Horse Groups and disciplines.
Formed in response to the 2007 Equine Influenza crisis, the NSW PPHC aims to represent all recreational and performance horse owners, riders and breeders at Local, State and Federal Government level.
The Group is for those in the Horse Community of NSW, for all concerned horse people regarding Equine Influenza -EI. Plus also discussing and acting on issues from the EI outbreak that are affecting all horse owners now and in the future. The Group also wants to look forward, how horse ownership is going to be managed and give a voice to all the NSW Horse Community to Government and other parties.
MEETING OF THE GROUP WILL BE HELD ON: SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2007 TIME: 2PM VENUE: CAMDEN CIVIC CENTRE (please note new venue) Cnr Oxley and Mitchell Street Camden Opposite Woolworths.
Plenty of parking in the Council Carpark and surrounding areas.
PLEASE EMAIL IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND TO FOR ORGANISATION OF NUMBERS: yogiedog@optusnet.com.au
Please everyone who feels NSW horse owners need a voice now and for the future come and contribute.

To fellow pleasure horse enthusiasts,

This Saturday we have a Federal Election.
Now I would like to state before anything else that I do not share any
allegiance to any party large or small.
However I would like you to consider before you vote these few things.
No matter whether you vote for the coalition party of Howard and the
Nationals. Or you vote for Kevin 07 the Labor party.
Regardless of that one of these two will be in power come next Sunday. That
is a given. Unless one of the minor parties has done polling no-one knows about.
Choosing an independent or minor party who has their preferences directed
to the major party you may have been going to vote for is your best choice.
If the candidate does not get up then your preferences will still flow on to
the major party of your choice, And they will still get a major shock at the
numbers involved when votes are tallied.
Consider voting for a strong independent a green or a minor party first.
Neither of the major parties has made any clear or otherwise announcements
regarding funding and or significant assistance towards the pleasure horse
industry.
Neither party has declared that they will not continue to ignore you over
the thoroughbred industry.
They have in fact ignored our plight along with sate Governments since the
onset of this insidious viral outbreak and continue to do so. Only to listen
to racing industry and continue to sink your industry and into even more
despair, further away from the spotlight, an industry that is much bigger
than the racing industry.
If you intend not to vote or vote informal that is your right.
If you intend to vote and write a protest on ballot paper your vote won't be
counted. Wasted.
Let's face it who really trusts politicians anyway.
Show them we have a voice by collective voting for minor parties and give
the balance of power and a voice. And if possible let candidates know why
you voted them in.
It was said when the Keating Government was unceremoniously dumped from
power that the voters came with base ball bats.
We need to show we have something more substantial. And are prepared to use
it.
It is up to you.
Good luck

Outside horses a boost for Kembla Grange Meeting

An easing of restrictions on the movement of horses between designated zones will allow Sydney-trained gallopers to race at Kembla Grange on Saturday.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries on Monday granted approval for purple zone-trained racehorses to travel to Kembla Grange, the south-coast track located in a lower risk amber zone.
Monday’s decision could be a forerunner to a wider relaxation of travel bans ahead of a return to Sydney metropolitan racing at Randwick on December 1.
If the current ban is lifted, top gallopers such as the Coffs Harbour-trained sprinters Takeover Target and Natural Destiny would be allowed to race at the Randwick meeting.
Eight races have been programmed for Kembla Grange with Gwenda Markwell and Bede Murray once more nominating a big number of horses.

By: Warwick Barr - Monday, 19 November 2007

MURWILLUMBAH: Racing To Resume On The Tweed

Wednesday, 14 November 2007: Delighted Tweed River Jockey Club officials are excited that racing will be returning to Murwillumbah racecourse on November 26.

The ANZ Christmas Cup meeting will be the first hosted by the TRJC since August.
"It will be pleasing to see the public and thoroughbred racing come together again after the turmoil of equine influenza," said TRJC chairman Bernie Quinn.
"It will be good to be reminded how nice it is to see the horses going around at Murwillumbah, in front of the sugar cane fields and the Border Ranges.
"Everyone's rearing to go, and the racing surface is in good shape."
The feature event of the meeting will be the ANZ Christmas Cup a Rating 76 handicap over 1000 metres.
Seven races will make up the TAB program, with the possibility of an eighth, depending on the number of nominators.
Up for grabs will be $84,000 prizemoney and BOBS breeding bonuses.
While Queensland based thoroughbreds usually make their presence felt at Murwillumbah, there will be no competitors from the northern side of the border owing to restrictions on horse movements pertaining to equine influenza.

Purple zone horses add colour to Kembla

Monday, 19 November 2007:

Saturday's Kembla Grange race meeting has received a boost, with all horses located in the purple zone in and around Sydney cleared to compete.

The track, located just south of Wollongong, is in an amber zone but Racing NSW steward Marc Van Gestel confirmed the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) had granted approval for the movement of horses between the two zones for racing purposes.
Click here to read the full story

Update on 2008 Royal Melbourne Show Qualifications

The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) is aware of the postponement or cancellation of horse competitions at Victorian Agricultural Shows (VAS) and the effect it will have on the Horses in Action at the 2008 Royal Melbourne Show.

The RAS Horse Committee has resolved that qualifications for the 2008 Royal Melbourne Show will be as follows:

• Where a qualifying show was cancelled in the 2007/2008 show season performances from the previous show season (2006/2007 – 30 June 2006 to 20 June 2007) will be accepted for the 2008 Show. Eg 2007 Seymour Show Horse Section to be held in October was cancelled therefore the performances gained at the 2006 Seymour Show will be accepted.
• Where a qualifying show is held in the 2007/2008 show season performances for the previous show season (2006/2007) will not be accepted for the 2008 Show. Performances from qualifying shows held in the 2007/2008 show season will be accepted for the 2008 Show. Eg 2008 Berwick Show horse section may still be held in February, if it is held then only the 2008 performances will be accepted.
• If VAS Ltd Agricultural Societies hold VAS accredited horse shows in place of their horse events which have been rescheduled due to EI, the performances at these shows will be recognised as a qualifier. Eg Sale Show which postponed its horse events from its November 2007 Agricultural Show and now plan to run an event in April; the results from their April event will be accepted and any 2006 performances from this show, will now be obsolete.
• A minimum of three performances at qualifying shows will still be required.
• Performances must be achieved at agricultural Shows affiliated with their state body, capital city Royal Shows, VAS Saddle Horse Championships or Barastoc Horse of the Year.

The RAS understands that this is a difficult and uncertain time for all horse exhibitors and show organisers. The RAS understands the gravity of the situation and will continue to act in the best interests of the Show and its exhibitors.

The RAS hopes that the EI situation will be contained as soon as possible and looks forward to your support in welcoming horse competitions back to the Royal Melbourne Show in 2008.

Knowledge Is Power.

21st November.

During this unprecedented outbreak of Equine Influenza, the Department of Primary Industries nation wide has received some bad press. What are they doing for us we ask? Well, if you happen to live in Victoria and have been fortunate and interested enough to attend one of the 57 statewide EI Information nights, you will know that the Victorian DPI are working diligently at keeping EI from the state. “EI is not here despite the great conspiracy theory that it would all emerge after the Cup”, commented DPI Field Veterinary Officer, Lauren Conachie.

Horse Deals attended a recent Information Night and before anyone started talking we were impressed with the Horse Flu Community Information Pack, subtitled, “Keep Victoria Horse Flu Free”. The Information Pack consisted of a folder containing twelve sections covering,

Message from Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
What is EI?
The current risk to Victoria.
The National scene.
Bio-security basics.
Where are you?
AHIC registration form.
Article. Equine Influenza, control and vaccination, striking a balance.
Article. Influenza and vaccination.
How to take a horse’s temperature and temperature chart.
Questions and answers.

The information session was introduced by DPI Officer, Fiona Dean and given by DPI Field Veterinary Officer, Lauren Conachie. The ensuing power point and video presentation was comprehensive and enlightening. One video, taken at Warwick, clearly demonstrated EI symptoms. This video is on the DPI website, but not everyone has access to the internet, a fact which makes these community evenings so important in disseminating the real facts about the virus.

“Hands up who knows how to take a horse’s temperature and what is the normal temperature”? Fortunately there were quite a few hands in the air at this meeting, but when was the last time you took your horses’s temperature? There would have been a large percentage of the horse owning public, who prior to EI were neither familiar with taking a temperature or knowing what was a normal temperature range. (38°-38.8°)
As Dr Conachie pointed out taking a horses temperature “is a great diagnostic tool in determining illness”.

The Australian Horse Industry Council have established a Horse Emergency Contact Database, as one of the major problems with containment was actually knowing how many horses there are and where they are. The DPI recommends that all horse owners register their horses. As was pointed out, it is not only a matter of EI, but also a useful record for other emergencies like floods and bushfires. For further information contact the AHIC at www.horsecouncil.org.au

The question and answer pages were comprehensive and the Information Pack should be in every horse owning household in Australia, not just Victoria. To obtain your Pack call the Equine Influenza Helpline on 1800 678 779 or go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au.

Lauren Conachie and Fiona Dean were professional, informative and above all approachable. There are only a couple of information nights to go. It’s a show not to miss, so catch the performance in a community hall near you, while tickets last.

'Desperate and Showless' Christmas party

The EFA SA Showjumping Committee is holding a 'Desperate and Showless' Christmas party on Saturday December 8 at the Metropolitan Showjumping grounds in Adelaide. In light of the EI situation it will be a chance for competitors from around the state to catch up with friendsthat they have not seen for months. **Click on to enlarge**

VAS Ltd Media Release

Equestrian peak body representatives from VAS Ltd, Pony Club Association of Association of Victoria and Equestrian Federation Australia - Vic, met with Dr Roger Paskin, Principle Veterinary Officer - Epidemiology and Samantha Forrest, Industry Liaison Officer with the DPI last Friday.
The peak bodies were provided with an update of the current situation in NSW highlighting that things are looking positive in reducing and ultimately eradicating this virus from Australia in the future, Paskin gave the peak bodies some confidence in returning to activities in the New Year, he informed the group that the Christmas holiday period could prove to be a higher risk, due the large movement of people from interstate to visit families for Christmas or take a vacation. Owners must remain vigilant with people moving onto their properties over this festive season. A gradual return to events during the start of the year was recommended with the size and number of events increasing as the risk continues to recede.
The peak bodies a long with the DPI are in the process of reviewing the biosecurity guidelines for holding equestrian events. The peak bodies envisage there will be some minor changes that will assist event organisers on the bio security side of things. However the contingency planning in the event horses are required to remain at a venue will still be a major hurdle for many organisers cannot afford to ignore. DPI anticipate that bio security measures and contingency plans will be with us well into 2008.
The peak bodies have agreed that is reasonable to facilitate a return of events in the New Year providing the present trends continue and Victoria remains EI free.
Agricultural societies may still have difficulties meeting the revised bio security guidelines and be able to cope with either a short term or long term lock down but this is entirely dependent on the capabilities of each individual Show.
The peak bodies will meet again on the 13th December to review preparations for the expectant return to activities.

Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road Ascot Vale VIC 3032
VICTORIAN AGRICULTURAL SHOWS
ABN 5 2 1 0 3 570 190 ACN 1 03570190
SHOWING VICTORIA
VAS Ltd Media Release
20 Novemberber 2007

16th December 2007 Treehaven Dressage

Entries Close 28th November 2008

Program

Horse centre views sought

By SARAH DEAN

A SENIOR officer of the NSW Department of Primary Industries visited the Border yesterday to consult members of the horse community.

The move followed a fiery meeting on Saturday to discuss the Albury-Wodonga equestrian centre’s use as a quarantine station.

Agriculture regional director Giles Butler planned to meet Horseland owner Margaret Barwood and Albury-Wodonga equestrian centre president Ross Spalding.

“I will also be talking to other people who attended the meeting to get a better understanding of what the local feelings are,” he said.

“At this stage (the quarantine station) is a plan by the Victorian DPI and the NSW department just wants to make sure it is feasible.”
Mr Butler will report back to the department in coming days.

NSW Department of Primary Industries deputy chief veterinarian Ian Roth said it was important to assess the concerns of the community.

“We recognise there are a number of horses that need to get back to Victoria and a mechanism needs to be found but it’s a complex issue,” he said.

Mr Roth said he was not surprised the weekend rally became heated.

Read more.

EI Inquiry

Read the transcripts.

No control over stallion access: inquiry

There was virtually no control over how many people could access shuttle stallions when they arrived at Sydney airport, the inquiry into equine influenza has been told.

The veterinary officer in charge of the offloading of the horses from the air stalls and subsequent loading onto trucks for transportation to the Eastern Creek quarantine centre said his authority extended only to the corral area where he was stationed.

Dr Yan Hee Song said owners and other parties may have boarded the aircraft outside the corral in the company of the import agents, with visitors' passes obtained at the gate on production of drivers' licences.

"My role is in the movement of horses within the corral," Dr Yan said.

"I am in charge of the horses in that area. I am aware there were people inside the airport but not aware where they came from or whether they had been on the aircraft."

Read more.

Dec 1st Movement for Thoroughbreds

Well I am sure everyone is well aware by now that the thoroughbred industry as of December 1st can move .

I personally think this is very unfair to us the 'little people' who have been used as government and racing industry guinea pigs in the red zone to help eradicate their dam virus that they allowed into our country.

I have not had EI yet , yet everyone around me has but somehow its managed to miss me, most of the racing animals in our area go right past my door, so does this mean I am now open as of Dec 1st to contract the virus ????????

How dare this government and the racing industry use as as guinea pigs and how disciminating is it to us !

But hey they have the money behind them to pull strings dont they ? but they tend to forget who takes in their horses when they break down or they are to slow or not earning them the money they should be earning for them.

Am I bitter ....hell yes !!!!!!!!

This government has caused a great divide in the recreational and racing industry.

Dont you think we have suffered enough ? I am sitting back watching so many people struggling and trying the best way they can to get through this disease and its very saddening and disheartening to watch floats ALREADY with racing stock go past my door.

These people are slowly dying and the look of despair in their eyes just makes me cry.

I think this is a grave injustice to all the 'little people' (hence the word little poeple, meaning the recreational horse industry even though we are the majority of horse owners in australia) in both QLD and NSW and so very unfair.

I feel if 1 horse moves no matter what breed, wether it be thoroughbreds trotters etc then EVERYONE should get the green light.

I appeal to all recreational to all recreational horse owners to jump up and down, involve the media, right to your local paper and your local palimantarian, the ombudsman, the government departments
we need to get back to our normal lives to with our equine friends.

I have also heard that we will not get back to any sort of normaility until at least next June.

Its up to us to make that point clear, if one moves all should be moving, no prefernece should be made to any breed of horse.

Angie

I am glad I live in Tasmania

I am glad I live in Tasmania
Where we haven’t got EI yet.
Some think its still coming
And are taking an each way bet.

The borders out of Victoria,
Have been opened wide,
We have been told not to be
Complacent, nor let bio security slide

We were told to not hold events
And not mix with anyone
The vaccines they are coming
But it’s not for everyone

It all depends on what hat your wearing
Some prefer a Cup hat with a brim so wide
Others prefer a hard hat or Akubra
To put on their heads when they ride

It also depends on the money
Or what you think they are worth
Some can run like the wind on a racetrack
And some are the salt of the earth

It was the cough that stopped the nation
And I don’t believe it is over yet
EI doesn’t make the distinction
Between the racehorse and the backyard pet.

So be glad we live in Tasmania
Where yearling sales are about to be run
Where interstate buyers are hoping
To find that perfect one

Don’t worry they’re all vaccinated
And will be sound of lung and wind
And bio security is at every airport
To stop the interstaters bringing it in

So be glad we live in Tasmania
Cause we all know that after Santa has come
That the race against EI will be over
On December the 31st the race will be won.

Now if some of you believe this propaganda
And know that some of you do
There is a bridge across the Derwent
That I would like to sell to you.

M Gard
Tasmania