Horse flu virus on its last legs says vet

Australia is well on its way to eliminating the equine influenza virus that brought the horse industry to its knees last year, earning high praise from one of the many veterinarians involved with the crisis.

Dr Ross Wilson - whose company, Plasvacc, supplied horse plasma therapies to sick and vulnerable horses during the epidemic - says the infection has been significantly reduced to a "trickle"’ of properties.
There now is an extremely good prospect the virus will die out altogether, Dr Wilson says.
Horse travel restrictions throughout NSW have been eased, ending a 100-day lockdown that was essential for the veterinary profession to tackle the problem.
The virus hit Australia for the first time in August, when horses at the Centennial Park riding facility in Sydney were detected with the virus, and quickly spread to bring thoroughbred horse racing and recreational equestrian events in NSW and Queensland to a standstill.
But while the smiles are returning to the faces of those involved in the industry, Dr Wilson adds a note of caution: now is not the time for complacency.
"All it takes is a bit of stupidity and it could set us back some months," he says.
The most impressive feature of the fight against the disease has been the unparalleled co-operation of all the government and non-government agencies involved, he says.
The crisis has also given those involved in quarantine services and the broader veterinary community a "good kick in the pants", Dr Wilson says.