Tasmanian Biosecurity Guidelines for Horse Events

The following guidelines, while not mandatory, are highly recommended for any non-racing equine event as part of on-going biosecurity within the equine industry. These guidelines take the place of all previous requirements and guidelines including those for large events (10 or more horses), small events (fewer than 10 horses) and pony rides.

• Organisers should be willing, able and have the means to report suspect disease to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately they are aware of it.

• Collection of tracing information on horses: here is a Declaration Form (Tracing Log) with the essential information required.

• As a condition of entry, all gear and vehicles should be clean (with the exception of road dust) and presented for inspection by event officials. Vehicles and gear should be cleaned on return to home before being used again.

• Any horse becoming sick must be immediately reported to stewards or officials. If equine influenza (horse flu) is suspected (fever >38.5°C, nasal discharge, coughing, inappetence, depression), it must be immediately reported to the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 - this is everybody’s responsibility.

• For the duration of the event, a vet should be either on site or the event organiser should have the contact details for a vet within easy distance to enable a timely examination of sick horses.

www.dpiw.tas.gov.au