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Sunday 30 December 2007

The Chasers look at Equine Flu

**A light hearted look at Equine Flu from the notorious "Chasers"**

While the racing world reels from the devastating effects of equine flu, there is one group feeling optimistic about the future. "It's a shame those trainers and horse owners have lost millions of dollars," said gambling addict Tommy Vincent. "But on the plus side, my son can get those braces he needs."
"Die, you four-legged homewreckers," screamed housewife Flo Black, whose husband routinely blows all his family's grocery-shopping money at the track, upon hearing of the viral outbreak. "Cough yourselves to death and rot in your mucous-ridden graves."
According to experts, horse flu has had the biggest impact on Australia's gambling industry since a group of Victorian poker machines caught a computer virus in 2001. "Just like those days, we can look forward to seeing a rise in family boardgame nights and a decrease in drunken arguments and barrel-wearing," said family psychologist Lyn Fields.
Other sectors are feeling the effects of the illness, with Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran offering emergency relief packages to a number of milliners and fascinator designers. "These people are the forgotten victims of equine flu," he said. "Without racing carnivals, there's really no reason for anyone to wear the ridiculous headgear that is their bread and butter."
"It's a terrible shame about the horses - but at least I still have the dishlickers," said lovable punter Jack Bleakley, withdrawing a large sum of money from his wife's savings account. "All I need is one trifecta, and the kids'll be getting Christmas presents this year."

http://www.chaser.com.au/content/view/3462/228/

EI Vaccine Reactions

Hi
I have had a horse have a bad reaction to the EI vaccine and am wondering if anyone else has experienced this. With in a couple of days of being administered the vaccine the filly couldn't lower her head or turn her neck. She also had dramatic weight loss and was very stiff. She now has extreme swelling in most of her joints. Had her blooded and results showed a very high reading for inflammation. Vet put her on 2.5ml of Finidine for five days. The swelling remained but she wasn't as stiff (due to the drugs) Vet took fluid from the hock joint today to test for infection. If anyone else has had this reaction any information would be greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards
Kristen Taunton