Qld horses take next step to EI recovery

Queensland's performance and pleasure horse sector will be permitted to stage events in a first step towards recovery from last year's equine influenza (EI) outbreak.

Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has opened applications for events in the sector, which covers non-racing horses and groups such as pony clubs and horse export businesses.
Chief inspector of stock Dr Allison Crook said organisers would have to meet strict standards with biosecurity and contingency plans to take effect if any horses came down with a respiratory illness.
"This is a major step forward to helping those organisers that plan to hold an event in early 2008," Dr Crook said.
"They can determine their requirements to meet the protocols, and if (the) event is approved by the DPI, they commence advertising for nominations."
But Arabian Horse Association of Queensland secretary Sharyn Hungerford, from Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, said the move posed more problems for owners.
Many owners hit by the cost of treating horses for EI could not afford to attend, and others were unwilling to expose horses that hadn't been infected with EI to possible risk, she said.
Mrs Hungerford questioned whether opening the state to events at this stage was fair.
"You will have to be either vaccinated or prove that you had EI in your horses before you can compete," she told AAP.
"On the Sunshine Coast, we feel like we're in a hole.
"We haven't had EI, and we haven't been able to have our horses vaccinated yet.
"I don't think it's particularly fair to hold a competition when not everybody can attend."
Mrs Hungerford said she expected horse owners would exercise extreme caution this year.
"Some people are willing to forgo all of 2008 for a better outcome, and I'm one who is thinking that way," she said.