To Mike and Greg

Dear Mike and Greg,
Today via Horsedeals I read about Greg's terrible accident! My heart goes out to you Mike and I wish you both the very best. I bought Greg's hack Tibrogargon way back in the 70's when 'Timmy' was 11yrs old. I showed him for 10 years and he went to his rest aged 24. What a wonderful horse he was and I still bless Greg for letting me buy Timmy. I am praying that Greg makes a full recovery soon and I send you both all my fondest love.
Sincere Regards, Penny Lane (Quantrell).

International expert endorses Australian EI containment and eradication strategy

A visiting Equine Influenza (EI) expert from the UK says it is impressive that Australia has to date managed to contain its first ever equine influenza outbreak, especially as the initial outbreak covered such a large area.
Dr Richard Newton is the head of equine epidemiology and disease surveillance at the Animal Health Trust in the UK. Dr Newton recently travelled to Australia at the invitation of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease which is coordinating the national technical response to the equine influenza outbreak. The Animal Health Trust conducts surveillance work for the UK horse racing industry and is a World Organisation for Animal Health reference laboratory for EI.
Dr Newton has significant experience in combating the virus and has commended the containment and eradication strategy which the Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) has been driving on behalf of all horse owners.
“Given the size of the outbreak in Australia, I am impressed that it has been contained. Excellent progress has been made to contain a highly infectious disease and this provides strong encouragement that eradication is possible,” said Dr Newton.
“However, it is likely that spot outbreaks could continue to occur which will require a quick response and ongoing vigilance with biosecurity measures.”
New EI Infected Premises have now reduced to an average of 5-10 per day in New South Wales and Queensland. At the peak of the epidemic the new Infected Premises were running at 249 daily in New South Wales and 153 per day in Queensland
“The containment strategy seems to have worked but there remains a real possibility that EI can continue to spread,” said Dr Barry Smyth, President, Australian Horse Industry Council. “To avoid this we all need to continue our vigilance which should result in a return to normal horse activities in the new year.”
Strict adherence to biosecurity guidelines, personal hygiene, wearing of protective clothing, proper disinfection of implements and vehicles, and the observance of movement restrictions all remain critical to the success of the eradication effort. Reporting disease also continues to be essential so that authorities know where to concentrate efforts and to deploy vaccination teams to control outbreaks
“It is now as important as ever to cooperate and act in a proactive manner as a national industry to completely eradicate EI in the first half of 2008,” said Dr Smyth.

Supplied by AHIC, Media Release 26 November 2007

Just curious!? DPI racing?

Let me say firstly that I am one of the lucky ones to have been vaccinated, I am in the western horse industry and am only a hobby rider.

While reading the Saturday paper today ( been busy), I noticed that the Pacers have started racing again with a meeting held at Albion Park last saturday. I don't have a problem with Pacers ( used to own/train them years ago) or T.B.s. What I found to be really interesting was the fact that the Event itself seemed to be sponsored by the DPI !?? how? Why? The first race was named "Racings Back" and the fourth race was called" D.P.I and F Qld 1660m "!? WHAT??? the sixth race was called "Ron Glanville 1660m" , one race was called the "Ninja Turtles 1660m" did the Qld DPI sponsor this meeting? If so don't you think the money should have gone to more vaccines etc????
I don't know what to say.
If the racing and Pacing is back on line (with possible sponsorship from Qld DPI) then does that mean we can all get back out there also and does that mean the Qld DPI will also sponsor our events to give us a kick start??!!!
Sharon

Victoria: HRV Announces EI Vaccination Program

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has been formally notified that it has been granted an allocation of approved Equine Influenza (EI) vaccines.

This has been obtained through representations made to the National Management Group (NMG).

The allocation has been obtained in order to strategically protect our immediate racing population against the business impact an EI outbreak may have on the Victorian harness racing industry.

On this basis, HRV will be co-ordinating a vaccination program available to all registered HRV trainers with immediate racing stock. Vaccination at this time is not a compulsory requirement and HRV still strongly supports the current strategy of containment and eradication in the affected areas.

HRV registered trainers interested in vaccinating their immediate racing stock against EI are asked to complete the application form and return it by either fax: (03) 9372 6157 or alternatively by scanned email to the following email address: ei@hrv.org.au . Interested Trainers must return this form no later than Friday 30^th November 2007.

Upon receipt of the form, HRV will co-ordinate teams of veterinary surgeons and stewards to facilitate the vaccinations in coming weeks.

Trainers must note that it is recommended horses do not race for five (5) days following administration of the vaccine and provision will be made to ensure that all horses in a nominated stable are vaccinated around their racing programs.

The cost of vaccination will be $30 per horse per dose. This will include the cost of vaccine, provision of veterinary services and the disposal of biological waste.

It is expected that the overall cost of this exercise will exceed this nominal amount, any additional costs will be subsidised by HRV.

Logistically this program will be challenging and HRV urges all trainers to be patient. The experiences of other jurisdictions have highlighted many issues and we hope to use their experience to streamline our processes.

Information regarding the vaccination program can be obtained by referring to the HRV EI Vaccination FAQ attachment.

Interstate Horses On Track For ID08

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is confident that horses from New South Wales and Queensland will be able to take part in the 2008 Watpac Inter Dominion after meeting with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) on Friday afternoon.

The meeting saw Victoria’s chief veterinary officer, Dr Hugh Millar, update HRV on the status of horse movement policies throughout Australia in the wake of the Equine Influenza outbreaks in New South Wales and Queensland.

Dr Millar said chief veterinary officers from all states would be meeting during the week where it is hoped that a proposed horse movement policy allowing movement of horses between states under strict protocols will be agreed to and finalised.

From there HRV will be better placed to finalise the stringent quarantine rules that need to be put in place for horses from the infected states.

Plans are to establish quarantine stations at Harold Park in Sydney, Rocklea in Queensland and Geelong in Victoria.

The expectation is horses will spend up to 14 days quarantine in their home state and a further 14 days in Victoria.

HRV is hoping to have horses out of quarantine by mid-January allowing them to have critical lead-up runs prior to the 2008 Watpac Inter Dominion Carnival, which commences with the qualifying heats at Geelong on Saturday, February 16.

In order to satisfy that horses would have to go into quarantine in their home state by December 18.

HRV acting chief executive Shane Gloury was happy with the outcome of the meeting.

“Overall the discussions were very positive and while there are certainly no guarantees, we remain optimistic that we will be able to get these elite horses from New South Wales and Queensland down here for ID08,” Gloury said.

“We hope to be in a position to be able to provide a better indication of the quarantine requirements after the chief veterinary officers meet next week.”

Following the qualifying heats, ID08 continues with the semi-finals at Moonee Valley on Saturday, February 23. The $750,000 pacing Grand Final and $250,000 trotting Grand Final will be decided at Moonee Valley on Saturday, March 1.

24 November 2007

NSW Map of Zones as at 23rd November

***Click to enlarge***

EI a lucky break for Inter champ Blacks A Fake

November 23, 2007 12:00am

Blacks A Fake will be allowed into Victoria to chase a record-equalling hat-trick of Inter Dominion wins.

Just 10 weeks ago trainer-driver Natalie Rasmussen was gutted when told the champion pacer had equine influenza, but, bizarrely, it has turned out to be great news.
The fact Blacks A Fake has had the virus and fully recovered weeks ago means he is at the front of queue when it comes to horse movement from Queensland or New South Wales into Victoria.
Victoria's chief veterinary officer Hugh Millar said horses trying to enter Victoria for the Inter Dominion or any feature thoroughbred races would be split into two categories: those who have had the virus and those who have been vaccinated.
"The safest horses are those which have had the virus," he said.
"As of today, I am very confident of our ability to get those recovered horses into Victoria in time (for the Inter Dominion)."
Rasmussen was thrilled with Millar's news.
"I always hoped common sense would prevail and they would acknowledge that the horses which have had EI are no danger at all," Rasmussen said.
"This is a huge weight off my shoulders.
"I've got a horse with the chance to grab a piece of history and make a real name for himself by winning three Inter finals in a row. Now I can focus on doing it."
Millar had even better news for Rasmussen when it came to quarantine protocols.
He said Blacks A Fake, and any other horses who have had EI, would not be subject to the same strict quarantine protocols as those who have only been vaccinated.
"The expectation is four weeks quarantine -- two weeks at each end -- when movement is allowed, but horses which have had EI won't have to go through that full-blown process," Millar said.
While Millar said he remained confident vaccinated horses would be allowed into Victoria in time to contest the Inter Dominion, which starts on February 16, he said it was a much more complicated issue.
"Vaccination is different because the horses still remain susceptible," he said.
"Normally, you can be confident a horse doesn't have EI if you contain it for a couple of weeks, but vaccinated horses can silently incubate it."
Millar is involved in daily meetings on the EI crisis, but said the most important talks would take place on Wednesday and Thursday.
"That's when all the technical experts get together in Sydney," he said. "By the end of next week, or the start of next at the very latest, I am confident we will be able to announce some definite protocols."
Blacks A Fake returns to racing at Brisbane's Albion Park in a 1660m free-for-all tomorrow night.

Battle over EI hots up

Rod Nicholson November 25, 2007 12:00am

THE battle raging to prevent interstate yearlings from attending the Victorian Premier sale will come to a head tomorrow when William Inglis boss Mark Webster meets Racing Victoria chief executive Stephen Allanson.It is understood the Department of Primary Industries boss Hugh Millar is prepared to amend the protocols and restrictions to allow affected Equine Influenza yearlings to cross the border from the Hunter Valley to be sold at the sale, but only if they have been vaccinated.
But Victoria's Thoroughbred Breeders boss Mike Becker said the industry, Racing Minister Rob Hulls and the Agriculture Minister, along with harness racing officials and pleasure horse people, needed to act to prevent the risk.
"That should start with RVL tomorrow. The industry leaders need to weigh up the risks associated with the import of EI-affected yearlings and make a stand for the good of the Victorian thoroughbred industry," Becker said.
"To relax the restrictions is a massive risk. And to allow only vaccinated yearlings in makes no sense either - a vaccinated horse introduced the virus to Australia in the first place.
"Is the Victorian industry prepared to take that risk?
"This is not just about Victorian breeders. If the virus does hit, what happens to the autumn carnival, the Inter Dominion or preparations for the Olympic equestrians?
"I believe it would be a disaster for Victoria and all for the sake of having some yearlings at our sale when NSW has the ability to stage as many sales as it likes in its own backyard."
Becker said the Premier sale would succeed as a Victorian-only venture because buyers were keen on EI-free yearlings by EI-free stallions out of EI-free mares.
"Will the DPI, or Racing Victoria or the Victorian government accept full responsibility for an outbreak of EI if it arrives because of the yearlings crossing the border," he said.
"This is a genuine risk and, for the life of me, I can't understand why anyone would even consider it, let alone approve it."
Becker said nobody should underestimate the devastating effects of an EI outbreak.
"It has cost between $500 and $600 million in NSW and Queensland, and it would be similar here," he said.
"People must understand if EI is detected here, it will mean an automatic standstill of all horses -- including those vaccinated - throughout the whole state for between three and six months."

Horse flu wipes $30m off Tabcorp profit

GAMING and wagering group Tabcorp says its full year pre-tax earnings will be cut by $30 million due to the impact of the equine influenza outbreak.Tabcorp said the estimate post-dates its guidance in August for 2007/08 earnings to be in line with the previous year.

"We gave our earnings guidance before the outbreak of Equine Influenza," managing director Elmer Funke Kupper told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting in Sydney.

"Our current estimate is that Equine Influenza will reduce group earnings before tax by approximately $30 million compared to last year.
"The impact of Equine Influenza will be partially offset by the performance of our Gaming business, which is performing much better than expected following the introduction of smoking bans."
He said the net impact of those two factors will become clearer as the year progresses and that Tabcorp will provide a further update when its presents its first half results in February.
Tabcorp generated earnigs before interest and tax of $895.5 million for 2006/07, which was down 3 per cent.
Its bottom line result was a net profit of $515.6 million, down 3.8 per cent.
It had forecast normalised earnings before non-recurring items for fiscal 2008 to be broadly in line with last financial year.

Aussie horses grounded

Thursday, 22 November 2007

SYDNEY – In what is no doubt of concern to consignors ahead of the 2008 yearling sales, the export of Australian horses to many countries is currently banned in the wake of the Equine Influenza (EI) crisis.

Australian Stud Book statistics show that Asia is the primary destination for Australian horses, accounting for 45 per cent of all exports. New Zealand accounts for 44 per cent, South Africa 7 per cent, Europe 3 per cent and the 1 per cent of exports are destined for the US.

But the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) has advised that countries including Hong Kong, France, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand the Philippines, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Dubai have all suspended exports from Australia until further notice.

Moreover, AQIS will not approve the export of horses until official advice has been received from the importing country confirming the import and from any country that the horses are transiting or transshipping through.

Protocols for export to Japan are under negotiation.

China has requested additional conditions and Biosecurity Australia is liaising with that country.

Germany will accept exports provided horses are vaccinated for EI, and Ireland has imposed additional conditions.

Horses transiting through Australia en route to New Zealand will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and exporters must supply MAFF with a contingency plan as part of their application for a transit permit.

Transits through Singapore will be considered on a case-by-case basis with additional conditions but AQIS says it has received informal advice from an exporter than trans-shipments via Singapore are not permitted.

Premier sale battle hots up

Monday, 26 November 2007

MELBOURNE - William Inglis managing director Mark Webster will meet with Racing Victoria chief executive Stephen Allanson on Tuesday to discuss proposed amendments to protocols to allow interstate yearlings to cross the border.

Today's Herald-Sun newsaper reported that the Victorian Department of Primary Industries boss Hugh Millar was prepared to allow yearlings affected by Equine Influenza (EI) to cross the border from the Hunter Valley to be sold at the sale, but only if they have been vaccinated.

But Victoria's Thoroughbred Breeders president Mike Becker said relaxing restrictions is a massive risk.

"And to allow only vaccinated yearlings in makes no sense either - a vaccinated horse introduced the virus to Australia in the first place," he said in the report.

Vic breeders disgusted: Mudgway

Saturday, 24 November 2007

Bronwyn Farr

MELBOURNE - Victorian-based breeder Gary Mudgway has slammed moves by NSW breeders to have their yearlings transported to the EI-free state for the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale in March.

"They say there is ‘little or no risk'," Mudgway said in a statement.

"I say if the borders remain closed there is even less risk.

"Why should we support bringing in horses from outside the state, they have their own sales in NSW and Qld -- ask yourself what would they would do if the tables were turned?"

"Is this whole campaign to bring these horses in motivated and driven by interests in NSW?"

Mudgway said it was believed an announcement would be made on Tuesday allowing horses that had been infected with EI to enter Victoria.

He said local breeders had been urged by the Victorian Thoroughbred Breeders Association to contact the DPI voicing their disgust at a DPI decision to risk a possible Lock Down if the disease entered Victoria.

"How can anyone be comfortable with these horses entering the state with what we know at present -- if this disease is found anywhere in Victoria we will all be locked down," Mudgway fumed.

"It is becoming clear that what happened at Eastern Creek could very well be repeated in the entire state of Victoria -- who is going to compensate us then?"

Mudgway questioned whether purchasers would be keen to buy yearlings recently infected with EI.

"[The DPI] should also seek the advice of the long-suffering owners of pleasure horses, who are unlikely to sit still while the DPI risks bringing the disease into Victoria and consequently shuts down their entire summer season," he said.

We can all help

Hi to everyone
Well some of us have had our horses vaccinated and others have dealt with and come out the other side of the virus and wondered what all the fuss was about and some still wait with baited breath for one or the other.

The big financial loser in this has not actually proven to be the horses or even many of the people that own a horse or two, the big losers are the support industries that keep us all going. They are the saddleries, produce stores, farriers and equine services that support us all year by supplying us with services, products and sponsorship.

Why are these people suffering? Because we are avoiding them like the plague, literally.

Initially I believed that these groups were suffering because a large number of equine owning people were being significantly financially impacted by the EI but since being involved in the Equine Influenza Employment Assistance Program and other Government meetings it has become apparent that for the majority of us, while our lifestyle has been significantly curtailed, the same cannot generally be said about our incomes.

However, our service providers are hurting and some are now haemorrhaging badly. While Government is doing all it can to eradicate the disease (and I DO believe that is the current intention and that such has a high probability of success) and have made a number of financial packages available, we, as an industry, can do more.

There has been talk of a "Tackeey Christmas" and we should all support this idea. In recent weeks 5 saddleries have closed their doors in Australia, unable to continue from the impact of EI and some of those are in Green Zones! Many of our usual haunts have things to buy for all your family, even the non-horsy ones.

At many of the meetings I have been speaking at and in talking to the shops and providers themselves it would seem that in fact the biggest concern of patrons is contamination.

How can this be?

Aren’t we all practicing our own personal Bio-security?

It is clearly the case that if we are all practising safe Bio-Security then THERE IS NO RISK of us transporting this virus in or out of our properties. ‘But what about everyone else’ you say! It does not matter, if you are practising good Bio-security then someone on the outside can drown you in snot rags and your horses will still be safe and distribution will end with you. If you are unsure about the bio-security practices of your farrier, chiropractor, equisage or feed delivery, then take the initiative and decontaminate them yourself before they enter your property. I am sure none of these providers would object if it meant a job or sale.

Do not use this as an excuse to stay away form visiting or using those people that have always been there to support us or when we come out of this they may all be GONE!!!!!

Debera Ebbett
Equine Influenza Employment Assistance Program