Reality Check for Horse Owners in Queensland

From 1 location "Eastern Creek Quarantine Station" over 10,000 properties (reported) have so far become infected with EI. In Queensland at the 22nd Sept, there were 243 IP's reported, spread over 6 shires. We had a complete STANDSTILL in place. From this it ripped thru 21 shires, and infected in excess of 3,000 properties, that we know of!! At the time of 'easing movement restrictions' on the 7th Dec, the DPI were busy resolving properties, thus reducing the total IP count, the reports and numbers began getting vague again. At the time of the zone changes there were still in excess of 200 NEW IP's less than 21 days old (i.e. still infective). EI is alive and well in at least 13 shires in Qld! Buffer zones are still not secure, and the DPI in their infinite wisdom are allowing movement into the buffer zones by permit. An open invitation to allow the disease into the very zone designed to stop the lateral spread of the disease. DPI has called racing precincts in the Amber Zone... 'Red Compartments' to allow race horses to travel in and out of the disease free (so far) zone without quarantine requirements. The DPI has put us all at greater risk NOW than we were 4 months ago! They couldn’t control illegal movement with a complete standstill…. Never mind illegal movements, ask the DPI how EI jumped the Bruce Highway at Burpengary… seems the DPI issued a permit for someone to move 2 horses from the middle of Morayfield where the infection is alive and burning! The under reporting from day one has been enormous, do they honestly believe people are going to report themselves as infected now, particularly if they have done the wrong thing or illegally moved horses out of infected areas and been responsible for the further spread?? How well do you know your neighbours??
I recently wrote to the EVA and the AVA, \nimploring them to stand up for our rights to protect OUR horses, without their \nmembers the TB's could never have run rough shot over us, they required \nregistered vets to administer the vaccine. Time the EVA and AVA started \ntaking care of the other 80% of their members client base. I did not \neven get a reply acknowledging my letter!! No surprise really, the vets \nand drug companies stand to make money out of this no matter how it ends up, why should their representatives (who have also been at the table since day 1) take an interest in the ANIMAL WELFARE side of this disaster?
I recently wrote to the EVA and the AVA, imploring them to stand up for our rights to protect OUR horses, without their members the TB's could never have run rough shot over us, they required registered vets to administer the vaccine. Time the EVA and AVA started taking care of the other 80% of their members client base. I did not even get a reply acknowledging my letter!! No surprise really, the vets and drug companies stand to make money out of this no matter how it ends up, why should their representatives (who have also been at the table since day 1) take an interest in the ANIMAL WELFARE side of this disaster? Cindy MSE Qld

Lax bio-security, lets hope the same rules apply for our events

After going through the requirements for our club to run upcoming events, one of our comitteemen was surprised it was going to be so difficult, afterall he had attended several race meetings in Adelaide and it all appeared as per normal. We decided to look into the differences inbetween what we have to have in place compared to what the racing industry must have in place.......... the difference would appear that we will be answerable to PIRSA where-as racing is answerable to the Stewards (Any why are the stewards not held responsible when they are obviously not doing there part either?). Lets just hope that the same rules will apply should we have competitors 'breaking the rules' and as long as we all try and COMPLY we should be right - right??

THOROUGHBRED RACING S.A. LIMITED
STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORT
ADDITIONAL REPORT – B. J. MERRALL
ALLAN SCOTT PARK MORPHETTVILLE – FRIDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2007
Stewards have today concluded an inquiry into licensed Trainer Mr. Bart Merrall entering the restricted horse area after previously attending the public area at Cheltenham Park on Saturday, 1 December 2007.
Stewards confirmed Mr. Merrall had not received phone alerts regarding Equine Influenza.
After considering further submissions from Mr. Merrall, the Stewards laid a charge against him under ARR.175(p) in that he had failed to comply with a requirement of the Stewards. He was found guilty and fined $200.
In determining this penalty, Stewards considered Mr. Merrall’s apology on the day and his co-operation in leaving the course in compliance of the Biosecurity
Instructions when informed of his breach, as well as certain other mitigating
factors. Mr. Merrall was informed of his right of Appeal.
G. M. LOCH
CHAIRMAN OF STEWARDS
7 December 2007

Anne, SA.

It’s official, Bathurst’s in the green as an Equine Influenza free declared zone

BATHURST became an Equine Influenza-free green zone as of midnight Friday.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries announced earlier that day Bathurst would be downgraded from a restricted area (amber zone) to a protected area (green zone) free of the disease.
Other areas to be changed to a green zone were Orange, the Upper Lachlan, Blayney, Yass Valley and Junee.
Other local government areas such as Wellington, Cowra, Forbes, Lithgow, Parkes, Narromine and Cootamundra were partly moved to a green zone.
The changes mean 84 per cent of NSW is now green zone.
Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said this downgrade was a huge step towards eradicating EI in the country.
“From [Saturday] horse owners in the new green zones will be free to move their horses within the zone after obtaining a Travelling Horse Statement for each movement,” Macdonald said.
“This is another major step in the government’s plan to progressively downgrade the risk in infected areas as horse flu burns out, lifting movement restrictions, easing disinfection requirements and gradually resuming horse events.
“Maintaining good biosecurity and keeping tight control over horse movement in high risk areas remain vital to keep horse flu contained and continuing with second round vaccination is crucial to continue to build up horse immunity.”
Extensive proof-of-freedom testing has been carried out in these regions to allow the zoning changes to be made.
Macdonald said there was still a long way to go before EI is eradicated and continued testing and surveillance will be carried out in the more high-risk zones.

NSW Ag Shows - 10th Decmeber 2007

EI Guidelines for Shows(updated 10 December)
Recommendations for Agricultural Shows’ horse events
Information from Chief Veterinary Officer Mr Bruce Christie as at 4th December 2007.
1. Expressed concern at the high risk of running events with hundreds of horses eg. Shows, and only encouraging necessary events.
2. Recommends not running events until the Purple Zone has been eradicated with the exception of controlled events where there are pre entry requirements for limited numbers of invited horses.
3. Information from ASC insurers is that in the case of an EI lockdown the Show Society may be responsible for all costs.
4. ASC recommends that Show Societies prepare a full schedule but be prepared to withdraw the Horse Section from the Show.
5. Show Societies must be aware that information from DPI is changing daily
6. Irrespective of information on DPI website, the ASC is recommending not holding full Horse schedule Shows until further notice.
7. With ongoing biosecurity and vaccination, the DPI believes that EI can be eradicated from Australia by the end of May.
8. ASC requests any Show Society intending to run horse events must notify the ASC office.
The above recommendations are created by the very high risk of spreading EI caused by the movement and cross-zone movement of horses, humans, dogs and other means of spreading EI. The very nature of Agricultural Shows as a forum and gathering of large numbers of people and animals multiplies the risk of bringing horses into an EI possible contamination area. http://www.agshowsnsw.org.au/

Same story different day

I found this interview on the www from Monday, 27 August 2007 with Peter Costello our EX-Treasurer, it would appear that nothing has changed since the change of Government anyway but it is interesting...........

JOURNALIST:
What implications does the horse flu outbreak have for the national economy?
TREASURER:
Well I don’t think it is a good thing. Horse racing is a very important industry to Australia when you take into account breeders, trainers, jockeys, race meetings. And the fact that we have had this outbreak of horse flu is very serious. It will affect the economy. It will affect everybody who is involved in breeding, training, racing horses. It is a terrible thing. And our authorities are going to try and get a grip on it as quickly as they can. They are taking quarantine measures and let’s just hope that they can contain this outbreak.

http://www.treasurer.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=transcripts/2007/126.htm&pageID=&min=tsr&Year=&DocType=2

Lets hope our New Government recognise there is more to the horse industry than just the racing industry!
Sally McDonald

Giddy up! We're free

Tewantin Noosa Pony Club riders Sophie Bird and Kelsea and Georgia Boor have left their properties on horseback for the first time since August 26.
The Noosa shire, along with Maroochy shire, was declared part of the amber zone on Friday, December 7, where restricted movement is allowed.
The girls were thrilled to be able to move off their properties after three months of being in lockdown.
The local horse community has been vigilant in keeping equine influenza away from the Sunshine Coast, undergoing decontamination procedures every time they leave their properties.
They are still not out of the woods as one outbreak of EI within the amber zone will mean they are locked down again, so it is extremely important to keep up with their bio-security.
Limited events will start from next January and PCAQ competitions will commence in March, 2008, seven months after the outbreak.
Even then riders will be able to compete only within the amber zone until June.
Movement of ridden horses is unrestricted within the zone, however horses transported by float or truck must be accompanied by a Waybill which can be downloaded from the DPI website.
Tewantin Noosa Pony Club will open its grounds on January, 1, 2008 and musters will start again in February.

ATHRA National Update - EI and the Ban on ATHRA Rides

ATHRA National has now received from each State Branch Executive Team a position on the current bans and restrictions. We are in contact with our insurance partners Affinity and when a suitable Waiver Form and a checklist for biosecurity measures is generated, a new ATHRA statement will be issued in this regard. This statement will be on a State by State basis. ATHRA acknowledges the frustrating time we are all having with this insidious disease, but it is clear that the approach that is being adopted is for the benefit for all. Again, it's short term pain for longer term enjoyment I'm assured. We appreciate all of the sacrifices our members have had to put up with during the past 3 months, your resolve is exemplary and a personal thank you to all from the ATHRA National Executive Team.
Tony Hart (ATHRA National President)
www.athra.com.au

Horse flu headed for eradication

THE equine flu epidemic should be eliminated altogether in Australia in 2008, according to federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke.
The flu outbreak, which began in August and brought the racing industry to its knees, has now been contained, and some interstate horse movement has begun.
Over the coming months all restrictions on horse movement are likely to be lifted.
Mr Burke said yesterday he was hopeful that the steps taken to date would eliminate the threat of equine flu altogether next year.
"I am pleased to say that we are on track to have equine influenza eradicated in 2008," Mr Burke said yesterday.
"Leading up to eradication, we will be able to increase green zones, which will allow horse owners to get back to some normality.
"However, during this holiday period it is vital that people still need to observe all relevant biosecurity measures if they come in contact with horses."
The Federal Government has sent out more than two million "eradicate in 2008" postcards to alert people in rural areas and in places where there is a high concentration of horses about action they can take to contain the flu, which had never existed in Australia before.

Interstate horses to undergo quarantine

The first Queensland race horses to travel interstate since the outbreak of equine flu will begin two weeks in quarantine today.
Seven harness-racing pacers will spend a week in a purpose-built quarantine centre in Rocklea on Brisbane's southside before travelling to Victoria, where they will spend another week in quarantine.
The horses, which have already earned more than $5 million in prize money, will compete in Melbourne's Inter Dominion starting on February 16.
Queensland Harness Racing Spokesman Damian Raidler says although the quarantine is expensive, it is essential.
"I don't think it's overkill. I think it's cautious," he said.
"Equine influenza has never been in Australia before and the authorities are doing their very best to eradicate the virus."
www.couriermail.com.au

Horse owners happy with flu ban turnaround

The Hunter's equestrians have welcomed a turnaround on a decision to ban horse events at Sydney's Royal Easter Show because of equine influenza.
After earlier cancelling the events the Department of Primary Industries says the traditional competitions will now go ahead.
The Hunter Valley Equestrian Centre's Shaun France says it is great news and will reinvigorate the leisure horse industry.
"It will mean a lot of positive energy within the industry, and it will give people incentives to start working with their horses and get back on the road of what we would call normal life where we are competing often, as well as boost the whole industry financially," he said.

VICTORIAN TOM QUILTY GOLD CUP 2008 - Postponed until 2009

VICTORIAN TOM QUILTY GOLD CUP 2008 - Postponed until 2009On behalf of VERA, the Victorian Quilty Committee, NSWERA, the New SouthWales Quilty Committee and the AERA, we wish to announce that the Victorian Tom Quilty Gold Cup at Tonimbuk that was scheduled for the 3-5 October 2008has has been postponed until 2009. The exact date will be confirmed as soon as possible.This most difficult decision was reached following considerable consultation with the states concerned, the ride organisers and the AERA, and was made with the objective that the postponement of the 2008 Quilty was the best decision for our sport. The outbreak of Equine Influenza has seriously effected our sport and severely restricted horse movement into Victoria from New South Wales andQueensland. It is hoped that by postponing the Tom Quilty Gold Cup fortwelve months, the EI infected horses will have time to recover from the disease and regain their optimum fitness, and horse movements throughout Australia may be simplified following the successful eradication of the disease.
Yours sincerly, Australian Endurance Rides' Association Inc.VERA and the Victorian Quilty Committee NSWERA and the NSW Quilty Committee.

A Fine Merry Christmas from the DPI

Christmas Eve, the Qld DPI mailed out the first Bio-Security update in weeks and released the Protocols for the Pleasure and Performance Industry to begin getting back to business!

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xchg/dpi/hs.xsl/27_7169_ENA_HTML.htm

Staging events in the Green Zone, full of recommendations, masses of paperwork for organising committees and then in the fine print at the very bottom..... The Mandatory Contingency Plan

"In the event of an outbreak of EI at the event, the venue must have the facilities and resources to secure the site for a period of at least 30 days after the last confirmed case. This is to meet the AUSVETPLAN guidelines to release an IP from 30 days after the last clinical symptoms of EI. "

There goes any chance of events in the Green Zone, I don't know one venue, or organisation that could meet that requirement!!

Staging events in the Amber Zone, a whole lot more recommendations that ARE mandatory, including the Contingency Plan, and a small glitch of

"Nominations can be taken provided competitors agree to the above criteria. In nominating, competitors should include the horse’s microchip number, vaccination and/or immune status, and the Lot on Plan or Property Identification Code (PIC) of the property of origin."

Cute!!! Given that only TB's, buffer zone and the hand full of elite have actually been vaccinated in the Amber Zone and the rest cannot get access to vaccine!!
Who in their right mind would attend an event if they were not vaccinated anyway, in any zone?
Event organisers in EI Free states like Victoria and SA are still cancelling events for the same FEAR, yet the DPI in Qld think they have assisted our industry in getting back on its feet by painting the map different colours and then imposing the same fear factors that will see many clubs shut their doors.

These protocols apply to ANY HORSE GATHERING, so don't for a minute think just because you only attend small local club days that they don't affect you or your club.

Cindy M
SE Qld