Emotional toll of EI to be investigated

The equine influenza outbreak has hit the horse industry in the hip pocket and now research will uncover the toll it has taken on the heart and mind.
A study has been launched to investigate the emotional, social and psychological impact of the pandemic on horse owners, riders, enthusiasts and others connected to the industry.
The medical researchers behind the project say they suspect results will show the effects extend far beyond the immediate concerns of restricted horse movement and financial difficulties.
“So far there has been a strong focus on containing the disease, determining how it was introduced and the direct financial impact on business,” said Dr Melanie Taylor, a senior research fellow at the University of Western Sydney.
“But understanding the distress equine influenza (EI) is causing individuals is just as important.”
She said people were feeling stressed not only by the extra precautions and continuing risk of infection, but also the level of uncertainty about the future.
“There is some level of suspicion and mistrust within the community, as the news media report allegations of failed quarantined procedures actually causing the outbreak,” Dr Taylor said.
The first case of EI was confirmed on August 17, sparking a week-long industry shutdown and halting all metropolitan meetings in Sydney or Brisbane until further notice.
An inquiry under retired High Court judge Ian Callinan is investigating exactly how the illness infiltrated Australian borders.
The survey, found online at http://tinyurl.com/2qbu4s, asks industry members how effective they believe the containment procedures have been, and how distressing the EI outbreak has been for them personally. It will also address people’s response to the quarantine measures, in particular how they have coped maintaining high levels of biosecurity.