EI vaccination deadline nears in Purple Zone

15 January 2008
Owners of horses in the equine influenza purple zone that have not contracted EI are being urged to contact their vet if they have not yet been vaccinated.
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Bruce Christie, said the first round of purple zone vaccinations was nearing completion, with firm evidence the strategies being used to control and stamp out the EI were succeeding.
“Two rounds of vaccine are crucial to building up immunity in uninfected horses”, Mr Christie said.
“First round vaccinations in the purple zone are scheduled to finish on 3 February with the second round expected to be completed at the end of February. Applications for vaccination must be lodged by 21 January.
“After 4 February only second round vaccinations and special cases will be eligible for vaccination under this program.”
Mr Christie said DPI now required all horse movements in the purple zone to have a Travelling Horse Statement (THS).
From 4 February only horses that have been vaccinated or have documents to show they have recovered from EI will be permitted to move in the purple zone.
“So we are urging horse owners in the purple zone to contact their vet if their horses have not had EI and are still not vaccinated,” Mr Christie said.
Application forms for vaccination are on the NSW DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
“It’s more important than ever that we find any undetected pockets of EI, so if you think your horses may have EI or you know of an unreported infection, call the hotline on 1800 675888,” Mr Christie said.
“The situation remains very encouraging with no new cases of EI identified since 20 December. However we still have a long way to go before we can be sure horse flu is completely eradicated.
“Even without new outbreaks it will take time to ensure there is no risk of further virus spread. Once vaccinations have been completed surveillance will continue to ensure EI does not reoccur.”