Thousands of dollars worth of new Show clothing stolen

**CLICK TO ENLARGE**

I Have just been talking to some friends and they suggested to get on to you to help us in the recovery of our daughters Western and English show clothing and gear...... this is an extremely disappointing and upsetting event that has taken place down at the Victorian Western classic & Congress and Victoria state show's.

What is really up setting to all horse riders is at that we all have been affected badly by the Ei virus being introduced in to Australia, it has stopped us all from showing, training, competing and breeding in this wonderful industry of Western Performance, Kirby 19 was just so excited to be attending her first show's since Sydney in June July 2007 , even if it wasn't on her own horse, she was just riding. It seemed there was a light at the end of the tunnel for all to get back in the show ring, even if we did have to spend a big fist full of dollars to get her to another state to ride these are the extreme lengths we are going to, these youth and adult riders have been keen to get back into the saddle and show ring....To steel from an Interstate youth or anyone is just so discussing and disappointing....How will she ever replace these items, its taken us years to get a stunning and very expensive selection of show clothing and gear together, if we can let people know to look out for these show outfits we may have a chance of getting them back for Kirby........the Hobby horse themselves tops are limited addition so there are only a couple in Australia and easily recognizable...

Here is what happened.........

My Daughter is 19 years of age and we live on the Sunshine coast in Queensland, yesterday Jan 10th Kirby had all her very expensive English and Western show clothing most of it brand new. The brands were Hobby horse clothing from the Horseman's trading post and Show pony showmanship outfits from Greg Grant Saddlery in Brisbane, well they were all stolen from her camp at the Toninbuk show grounds while they were at the Mathrick family's home having this BBQ, they had so kindly arranged for all the youth and riders from the show,( the competitors had all been showing at Toninbuk during the terrible heat all week) so it was nice that they could go for a swim and relax.

Stolen to date was all her New Western Tops - New Beige and Black pants, New Showmanship out fit hats beige and black 1 black pair of black chaps that were made especially for her 1 beige Hobby Horse pair of new chaps all her English gear Jodhpurs , Shirts, Jacket, hats black and beige pins, most of them being size 8 - 10 Adults value of around $3500.00 to 4500.00

Just every thing of value is gone.

But on a brighter side - the wonderful people that rallied around and lent her outfits and comfort for Kirby so she can keep on showing at the Vic State Show.
Kirby was kindly invited to ride the Mathricks horse at the 4 shows that are currently running, (As Jessie has a broken leg ) It started of quite badly right from the start - On leaving our property for the airport, we were in the middle of that horrible rain depression, on driving out the driveway we found two of our agisted horses were stuck in the fence and up to their bellies in flood water the hole family pitched in to swim them out after cutting them free....so Kirby and Lisa Lorimer from Hobby Horse both missed the plain and had to pay to get another flight out ASAP.

As she is so distressed Kirby is considering coming home tomorrow to Queensland.

Thank you
Regards Robyn Fidler (Mum)
(07) 54929163 mobile: 0437 826 387 Kirby's Contact mobile in Victoria: 0437 929 162

Please forward on to as many people as possible to help in the recovery of all this gear !

DPI eases EI restrictions in SE QLD

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) says the easing of horse movement restrictions in south-east Queensland shows the progress being made to control the spread of Equine Influenza.
From today, horses within the Red Zone can be walked or ridden off properties and moved by floats or trucks in their local area without a permit.
DPI chief vet Dr Ron Glanville, says it can only happen during daylight hours and the horses must return to the property before the end of the day.
He says the vaccination program has been highly successful.
"It actually has worked extremely well, it is a very effective vaccine" he said.
"No vaccine is 100 per cent effective and so we have got to be a bit cautious there. "Vaccinated horses can mask infection, but generally speaking the use of the vaccine has really brought the disease under control, or certainly helped us bring the disease under control really well.

Horse Deals Reports.........

After the Mount Gambier Showjumping Club ran a very successful 'Bio-Beta Junior Showjumping Competition' we emailed PIRSA to clarify a requirement for the Permit for this event.

We wrote.....
Just a question on Bio-security, on the weekend you may be aware that a Show Jumping Competition was held in Mt Gambier at the Show Grounds. The usual Bio-security was in place, footbath and handwash at the gate with records taken etc. This was a requirement by PIRSA to gain a Permit for the event. Locally it does not appear that this is a requirement for Racing or Harness and quite a few competitors asked 'why the footbaths when no-one else has to?' Why the two different sets of rules?
Does the recreational industry need to continue with footbaths/hand washes etc?
Can you please clarify?
Look forward to hearing from you soon.

PIRSA's official response...............

"Footbaths are one of many options in a good biosecurity plan but are not a requirement. All biosecurity plans are assessed for their overall effectiveness rather than the effectiveness of the individual components. Footbaths have value in some circumstances to reduce the probability of infection entering an event or being carried between stables at an establishment. They also serve as a good visual reminder to participants of the need for biosecurity and vigilance."

comment on Horse flu continues to spread in Mongolia

Oh my that is dreadful news.
the weather report today for Ulan Batar is listed as
Temp: -34C
Wind Chill: -42C

having been there and knowing there is virtually no communications there is no way the death rate or infection rate can be accurate.
Pray for our Mongolian cousins for many their horses are their only income and source of food.
Jenny

From the horse's mouth

Animal psychic Amanda de Warren has made a career out of talking to pets, both dead and alive.

Three years ago, I went to a lady's house to do the human kind of channelling and her German shepherd kept trying to get my attention. I was looking at him and thinking "that dog is trying to tell me something".
Then all of a sudden the dog went: "I was abandoned by my first owner who left me in a cage. I'm sorry that I chewed up the white blanket, I'd like my walks to be longer and I don't like the chicken stuff my new owners give me."
When I told the lady who owned him her jaw nearly dropped to the ground, because it was all exactly right. So then I started channelling animals and found I have a direct link to the animal.
It's almost the same as human channelling in that I see telepathic pictures that they show me and experience senses and feelings they give me. The animal doesn't have to be alive; it can be passed over and it doesn't have to physically be with me or the owner when I do the channelling. I can be sitting talking to the owner while the dog is running around the backyard. Normally people send me a photo and we can do it over the phone.
I can channel all animals. I've done it with a sheep which thought it was a horse. I've done birds and I had a fish come through to a lady the other day and I said to her: "You killed your fish, didn't you; you put hot water into its tank," and she said: "Yes, I did." I've done spiders too. This boy had a pet spider and the house had caught on fire and the family couldn't get it out, so it perished in the fire. The spider came through and had a chat.
I'm able to tune into particular animals when I need to. It's not like I go to the zoo and hear all these voices. But I did help one zoo and I'm not allowed to say which one.
They had a problem with an elephant and they asked me to channel into it and find out what was going on. The elephant told me that it didn't want to eat in front of people, so the zoo changed the feeding time and the problem was solved.
I'd like to speak with whales about why they beach themselves, I think it could be such a bonus for science to use my skills.
What I do helps people to understand their pets a lot better. Instead of putting them through expensive and painful tests I can immediately see the problem. They might tell me that they have a sore tummy or they don't like their food or whatever. Animals mostly want to talk about what they're fed; what they like and don't like, or any ailments or pain they may have.
I can help with behavioural issues as well because I connect with the animal and understand what they're trying to say; sometimes they don't understand that they're not humans and I have to set them straight. People tell me that after I've communicated with their pet it helps to set the animal right - I can tell them that it's not OK to wee through the house or chew electrical wires or whatever.
A lot of animals also want to reassure their owners if they were put down. It gives people a lot of comfort. I believe that animals have souls and I know that our pets wait for us in heaven.
I now have up to 60 animal-channelling clients a week; it's becoming more popular than human channelling. I don't think there is anyone else who can do what I do.
I don't eat animals since discovering this ability. I used to. But one day the lamb I was eating came through to me and ever since then I haven't been able to eat meat.

Motherhood beckons for Olympic hope

One of Australia's top Olympic medal hopes is preparing to become a mum just a few months before the Beijing Games begin in August.
But rushing to get back into tip-top shape for the biggest event of her sporting life won't be a worry for champion horse Headley Britannia after her two foals are born.
Two surrogate mares will give birth to her foals in the comfort of an exclusive stud farm in England while the eventer, affectionately known as Brit by her owners, is kept busy putting the finishing touches to her Olympic preparations.
Brit's owner, champion Australian rider Lucinda Fredericks, decided to breed the 15-year-old mare using a revolutionary IVF program for horses after her enormous success at top flight competitions.
She rode Brit in rare back-to-back victories in two of Britain's most prestigious events, the 2006 Burghley horse trials and then Badminton last May.
With Brit in top form and the Olympics fast approaching, Lucinda decided there was not enough time for the mare to fall pregnant and be ready for the Games.
So owner and mare turned to IVF and began a massive search for a suitable sire and pair of surrogate mums.
Brit ended up snaring a tall, dark and handsome French stallion to father her foals, but the process was hardly romantic.
She never got to rub noses or share a bale of hay with her stallion, the champion show jumper Jaguar Mail.
Instead, the stallion's sperm was sent from his home in France to equestrian IVF experts at the Twemlows Hall Stud in Shropshire, where Brit was inseminated.
Brit's eggs were fertilised three months apart before being implanted in the two surrogate mares, Pippa and Bear, which are due to foal in April and June.
Lucinda, who is married to Australia's World Cup winner Clayton Fredericks, said she hopes to top off celebrations of the foals' arrival by riding Brit to glory at the Olympic three-day event in Hong Kong.
"If all goes well, we will have two foals on the floor by the time their mum and dad go to the Olympics," she said.
"It would be nice though if one day their mum and dad do get to meet."
The foals will spend about six months with their surrogate mums before being sold for an estimated $67,000 each.
The Fredericks have both been shortlisted for Australia's equestrian team that will compete at this year's Games.
They plan to leave their farm in Wiltshire, England, in late July to travel to Hong Kong with their horses.
Clayton Fredericks said he believed the Australian three-day event team had a good chance of bringing home a medal, despite expectations of tough competition from Germany, Britain, France and the United States.
"Our team is relatively younger than the others, and I think Australia always has a very good medal chance in our sport because we are simply great horsemen," he said.

Qld EI quarantine facility set to open

Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) says a new quarantine area to allow the industry to improve travel in the lead-up to the state's winter racing carnival could be in operation by Monday.

QRL chief operations manager Malcolm Tuttle on Thursday said it was hoped the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) would approve Grandview Stud, at Peak Crossing, south-west of Brisbane, as a quarantine facility by Friday, which would allow its operation on Monday.
It would then be used to more easily move horses between red, amber and green zones within Queensland and interstate which were established to overcome last year's equine influenza (EI) outbreak, Mr Tuttle said.
Up to 18 horses would be able to be quarantined in any week, accommodating those either spelling or pre-training.
The horses would be brought in on a Monday afternoon, and leave the following Monday morning after testing cleared them of carrying EI.
"Top of our mind is the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival that before too long will be upon us and also the need to free up movement of horses," he said.
He said the facility would be part of ensuring horses could travel into and around Queensland and then return to their base in Queensland or interstate.
"For example, if we were unable to facilitate the return of these horses to Victoria and NSW, it would be unlikely that they would come for any period of time," he said.
Mr Tuttle said the industry would measure whether the 17 quarantine spaces per week was enough before deciding whether more similar facilities were needed.
Comment from DPI&F was being sought.
Meanwhile, Mr Tuttle said the number of EI infected premises in the south-east corner had dropped to 827 Thursday after reaching a peak of approximately 2,200 in mid November 2007.

Pet horse stabbed to death

A PET horse was found stabbed to death on a large property in Sydney's far west last night.

The owners told police they discovered their retired racehorse dead about 10pm. They last saw the eight-year-old thoroughbred, named Katie, about 3.30pm yesterday afternoon when they fed and watered her on their Appin Rd property, in Sydney's west.

Acting Inspector Geoff Thornton, one of the police at the scene, told the Daily Telegraph it appeared the horse had been dragged through a hole in the fence which borders the paddock.
"It was found on the other side of the fence, not actually on the property," he said.
"There was no blood or signs of haemorrhaging, which was the weird thing."
"There only appeared to be one stab wound."
Act Insp Thornton said that, judging by the wound, the offenders had used a large knife to kill the horse.
A police spokesman today said the horse died from a fatal stab wound to the abdomen.
Police notified the RSPCA who would investigate the incident in conjuction with police.

EI threat cancels Kilkivan trail ride

Organisers of a trail ride through the Kilkivan region have voted unanimously to abandon the region's biggest event.
The Kilkivan Great Horse Ride will not be held this year because of the threat of equine influenza (EI).
President Mike Webb says there has been no cases of EI in the green zone that surrounds the Kilkivan area, but they feel it is the right decision.
"Given the fact that a lot of our patrons and supporters come from the south-east Queensland area, there was a reasonable degree of risk of perhaps bring the EI into the area," he said.

Thieves strike dormant Pony Club

TWO break-ins at the Bremer Pony Club since Christmas were just another blow equine influenza (EI) had caused club president Allen Zahnow said.

Mr Zahnow said opportunistic louts targeted club property because it had been vacant since last year's horse flu outbreak.
The club's premises on South Deebing Creek Road have been empty of youth and horses since August.
Sometime between mid-December and the new year, vandals broke into the pony club's shed, ransacking the canteen.
Then, on Wednesday night thieves broke into the shed again, this time taking more than $1000 worth of public address equipment, including speakers and microphones.
Mr Zahnow said the thieves cut locks, chains and bolts to access the shed.
"This is just annoying," Mr Zahnow said.
"It is part of the impact of EI on our pony club that most people wouldn't expect.
"Because we've been empty since the horse flu struck we've been hit by thieves.
"It just doesn't seem fair."
Scenes of Crime police officers attended the property yesterday.
Mr Zahnow said the club officially closed last September, just days before the Pony Club Association of Queensland cancelled the remainder of the year's schedule for the 245 clubs statewide.
He said he didn't expect the Bremer Pony Club to be back in operation until February or March.
Mr Zahnow, of Redbank Plains, said he only visited the club grounds to keep the grass maintained.
He suspected the thieves gained access to the property through bushland, which leads to Ripley Road, at the rear of the club grounds.
"The front gates here were locked so people have obviously come in the back way," he said.
Yesterday Mr Zahnow resolved to lock the club up "better than ever".
"It is just disappointing, after all the bad luck with EI, to have this happen as well," Mr Zahnow said.
"We don't really keep much here, and we'll be keeping even less here now after this theft."
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

FORWARD - Good News

NSW DPI email system has gone belly-up temporarily so I have some time to reply on this issue.
Yes, DPI is working towards declaring the whole of the Purple Zone and State Green in March. There is a lot of work to be done before then but things are on track.
The surveillance testing has to be completed by 29 February to collate the data for presentation to CCEAD and NMG in early March for a declaration prior to Easter.
One of the most dramatic changes that has occurred during the EI outbreak is the linkage between databases and mapping. If you have been to one of our meetings recently where we have maps, with all horse properties shown on Google Earth maps with their infection status shown, you will see there is excellent organisation of lab and property data. This data will have to be provided for the whole purple zone to convince other states that we have, in fact, got no more EI infections present.
We then have to await formal recognition of our status. If this isn't given by 20 March (ie prior to the Royal Easter Show) my prediction is that NSW will act unilaterally to go green.
My advice is that all event organisers and competitors should procede on the basis that there will be no quarantine periods to move from current purple back to green. ie no movement restrictions from 20 March.
If there are any further outbreaks this planned schedule may have to be modified but the outlook looks very favourable.
I'm trying to clarify where and for how long there will need to be some proof of immunity. Currently a proof of immunity will be required for movement in current purple zone from 4 Feb. Will this be needed after 20 March?
DPI accepts that recovered horses are immune to re-infection for 9 months. Therefore this timetable will remove the need to vaccinate any recovered horses. Nor is there a need to provide any boosters to vaccinated horses in previous buffer areas.
If there are any future outbreaks, NSW DPI will create a red dot, put in a 10km vaccination and standstill buffer and vaccinate right up to the IP boundary. What is now accepted is that vaccinating a horse that is about to be challenged or infected will result in a huge reduction in the amount of virus generated. This greatly reduces the chances of future spread. Previously vaccination was stopped 10, 5, 3 or 1 km from infected properties for fear of vaccinating properties where EI was spreading. This information was based on experiences with the old killed vaccines. Future vaccination around outbreaks will be much more aggressive and periods of quarantine much shorter.
This is good news.
Please report any suspect horses to the DPI.

Lorna.

Philippines: Manila Lifts Ban On Horse Imports From Australia

The Philippine government has lifted a ban it imposed on importing horses from Australia after determining that the country is already safe from equine influenza or horse flu.
In a memorandum it issued recently, the Department of Agriculture (DA) noted that the Terrestrial Animal Health Code 2007 of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) indicated that horses can be imported from an equine influenza-free country, zone or compartment.
The DA also noted that the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) has already endorsed the lifting of the ban on horse imports from Australia.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap disclosed that horse flu is already present in the Philippines and that horses in competition are required to be vaccinated every year.
Yap, however, maintained that strict protocols should be observed when importing horses from Australia.
In September 2007, the DA imposed the ban based on an official report submitted by Australia's Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry which confirmed the outbreak of equine influenza in Sydney, New South Wales.
With the lifting of the ban, the Philippines will start issuing veterinary quarantine clearances that will allow the shipment of horses from Australia. Veterinary quarantine officers and inspectors will also no longer stop and confiscate shipments of horses from Australia at all major ports.
While there is no data available as to the exact number of horses shipped to the Philippines from Australia, local breeders are known to source their studs there.
Equine influenza or horse flu is a major virus disease that causes flu-like symptoms in horses. The viral disease is present throughout Europe, North America and parts of Asia.
Experts say the virus can be spread easily from horse to horse as a result of droplets and also from nasal discharge and from infected brushes and rugs. The disease is known to be contagious and there is almost a 100 percent infection rate in a population that has been previously unexposed to the virus.
Among the symptoms of the disease are fever and a dry hacking cough. Horses become ill and are reluctant to eat or drink for several days. Horses afflicted with the disease are usually given antibiotics.
www.pacificnewscenter.com

Horse flu continues to spread in Mongolia though early treatment keeping disease in check

The horse flu which spread through neighboring China earlier in 2007, has now infected more than 60,000 horses across the border in Mongolia.

Called equine influenza virus, horse flu can be fatal to horses if not treated in time. However, the disease cannot be contracted by humans.
While only 21 Mongolian horses have died from the disease since the outbreak began in October, more than 30,000 horses have been quarantined.
Raising horses is a major industry throughout Mongolia, which now has a population of over 2 million horses.
www.mongolia-web.com

Equine flu won't stop horses at Sydney Royal

HORSE enthusiasts wanting to compete at the Sydney Royal Show have until Monday (January 14) to lodge their entries.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) horse committee and management has now decided that 1200 horses can compete at this year's Royal Show.
That's just a few hundred less than the usual 1500 to 1800 horses that attend the show, signifying yet another step in the direction of recovery from the equine influenza (EI) outbreak of four and a half months ago.
RAS of NSW president, Rob Vickery, says horse events will be spread out over the 14-day show, from March 20 to April 2, and the inaugural $100,000 Sydney Royal Horse Classic would be held on the final six days.
Horse exhibitors who have already placed entries to competitions for the show do not need to re-apply.
"We will notify everybody that's entered whether they've been successful or not, and then if they have been successful further correspondence will be sent to them," Mr Vickery says.
For the full Sydney Royal horse show format, entry forms, and schedules, visit www.sydneyroyal.com.au

Horses return to Sydney Royal Show

IN yet another turn for competitors, NSW Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) President Rob Vickery have announced that Australia’s best horses will now be able to compete at the 2008 Sydney Royal Show as part of the Sydney Royal Horse Classic.
In an off again, on again debacle, competitors have been put through the ringer as to whether or not they will be able to compete at this years Royal Show, but it seems the final decision is a positive one.
“I am pleased we have been able to reach a practical solution to the restrictions associated with the equine influenza and these important competitions can proceed,” Mr Macdonald said.
“We all want to ensure the Sydney Royal retains its 180 year tradition as well as its outstanding reputation and status as one of the world’s premier horse events.”
Mr Macdonald also said the announcement signified a road to recovery for the leisure horse industry in NSW.
Despite tight bio-security conditions interstate competitions will go ahead at the Royal Show in 2008 and the same entry methods will be used as in 2007.
“We will be inviting invitations from interstate,” RAS President Rob Vickery told The Advocate.
“We expect to have the same level of competition, but not the same numbers across the board.”
The drop in numbers will be due to a number of cancelled events, including Pony Club, Time Trials and a large amount of breed competitions.
Mr Vickery said although many horses have been out of action due to EI, he still expects horses that were in top form last year to keep the competition at a high standard.
“There will be a refined judging criteria, and results pre EI will be taken into account. We would expect horse that did well last year to do well again. ”
The change of heart comes as implications of EI begin to withdraw in NSW.
“We are working closely with the DPI Minister and have been able to change our position for the better as EI resides,” Mr Vickery said.
“The racing industry is back on track and the show horse world needs to get back on its feet as well.”
The Easter Show will also see an additional 500 horses compete in Olympic qualifying showjumping, as well as interstate and international polo and polo- crosse matches, campdraft and stock horse competitions.
The RAS will work with the DPI who will assist exhibitors to access EI vaccine as required to meet bio-security arrangements to compete at the Easter Show.
A vaccination request form will be posted to all exhibitors in the coming week.
10 January 2008 - 9:36AM
Nikki Taylor

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.

NT rejects horse flu vaccinations

The Northern Territory's racing industry says it can't afford to vaccinate horses against equine influenza.

Vaccinations have been carried out in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and the Australian Racing Board plans to make them compulsory in the Territory next month.
But Thoroughbred Racing NT's Des Friedrich says it won't be beneficial.
"There's a feeling between the Northern Territory and Western Australia that because of our isolation, like we are 3000km from our nearest horse population, that the cost on the industry hardly warrants the expense," he says.
"For the Northern Territory, for example, it would be $100,000 just for the vaccinations and for applying them and then there's all the protocols that we have to follow to record the stuff behind it".

Tas rodeo cancelled over horse flu concerns

The rodeo at Ross in Tasmania has been called off, because of concerns about equine influenza.
The decision comes after mainland states moved to ease restrictions on horse travel.
President Robert Brown says although there is only a small chance of infection, organisers did not want to risk the rodeo ground being quarantined.
"We are on a council ground and it's used by multiple users," he says.
"If there was a slight chance that a horse might have got there with the symptoms of the flu, we would have been shut down until we got the results back, which could have been for any time up to five, six days, a fortnight.
"I know the chances are very, very slim and it's getting slimmer every day, but it's just a chance that we didn't really want to take".

Thoroughbred horse stabbed to death

A thoroughbred horse has been found stabbed dead in its paddock south of Sydney, and a police investigation is underway.
The horse's owner discovered the dead animal about 10pm (AEDT) yesterday in the paddock in Appin Road, Appin.
"The horse, a thoroughbred, was last seen by its owner at 3.30pm when it was fed and watered," police said in a statement today.
"The owner left the location and returned later in the evening to find the horse dead."
The horse had suffered a single stab wound to its abdomen, and police have called for anyone with information to come forward.
Contact Campbelltown Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Victorian firefighters fight large blaze

Victorian firefighters will work hard in the face of worsening weather conditions to ensure a large blaze stays within control lines.
Fire crews are battling a blaze which has burned 400 hectares of grassland and scrub about 90km west of Melbourne, near Ballarat, while bracing for dangerous wind changes, CFA chief fire officer Russell Rees said.
"If it does get out of the control lines we'll be chasing it down into the grassland, but we need the people of Victoria to understand that we don't need any more fires, " Mr Rees told the Nine Network.

"We had a number of fires yesterday, today the wind will be stronger heading into that change.
"Once the change hits it will turn any fire we have around and go in another direction and that's the most risky time for everybody, the firefighters and the community."
Four aircraft will join the fire efforts near the small community of Morrisons to battle the blaze from the air, a CFA spokeswoman said.
She said residents in the area need to be alert to the significant smoke and flying embers, which could spark more fires.
Mr Rees said Victoria had enormous resources to deal with the blaze and any others that may arise, but cautioned people to remain vigilant on a day when a total fire ban has been enforced across the state.
"We want the public to be very careful, because in many instances it's misadventure or plain carelessness that causes fires," he said.
Mr Rees said holidaymakers and people in fire-prone areas need to understand the dangers posed by the weather change and have an action plan in place.

Jancourt Forest Fire Alert: 12:00pm 10/1/2008

Awareness Message - Final Advice
10/01/2008

Incident Information
The Jancourt Forest fire, burning 12 kilometres South East of Cobden, is now under control. It is estimated to have burnt 0.5 hectares.

DSE Crews will be patrolling the area throughout the day and into the evening.
Core Advice

• There may be increased amounts of smoke in the area from this fire.
• Road use in the area may still be hazardous. Watch out for fallen trees, power lines, abandoned cars, wildlife and emergency services vehicles.
• Residents should expect that many branches may fall from nearby trees in the next few days, and should be vigilant to protect themselves from injury.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Additional Information

• Resources committed to this fire are: 8 trucks 1 dozers 1 aircraft 30 personnel

• Other information:

For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety advice, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969. Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

Alert for residents of Morrisons and surrounds

Elaine Atchisons Road Fire 9:30amAlert for residents of Morrisons and surrounds 11/01/200

Incident Information
The Elaine Atchison Road fire, burning 11 kilometres north of Meredith , near Atchison Road, Morrisons (Map reference Vic Roads 77 C7), is burning in a southerly direction and is estimated to be 400 hectares in size.
The communities of Morrisons, Ballark, Meredith, Steiglitz, Moorabool Valley and Pioneer Ridge Road still need to remain alert due to the fire activity still in the area. Today, some residents will experience significant smoke and the possibility of embers.
Core Advice

• People in the area need to remain alert as there may not be a warning should conditions change unexpectedly. Continue to listen to ABC or local radio for updates on this fire.
• Be prepared to activate your bushfire survival plan if necessary.
• Road use in the area may be hazardous due to low visibility from smoke. Watch out for fallen trees, power lines, abandoned cars, wildlife and emergency services vehicles.
• If you plan to stay, remember to seek shelter from radiant heat. Should the fire reach your property, close all doors and windows and stay inside the house while the fire passes. Remain alert, extinguish any small fires and if necessary, move outside to burnt ground once the fire has passed.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Additional Information

• Road closures currently in place: Dollys Creek Road at the intersections of the Ballan-Meredith & Morrison-Elaine Roads

• Emergency relief centres are located at: A relief centre has been established at Elaine Hall. Red Cross reps are registering those who have elected to leave their homes.

• Community meetings are being held at: Friday 11th January 2008 at Railway Hotel, Elaine at 11:00am and Mt Egerton Hall at 1:00pm

• Resources committed to this fire are: 67 trucks, 6 dozers, 4 aircraft, 245 personnel

For information on fires in Victoria and general fire safety advice, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969. Information is also available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

NSW Recent vs older cases

Last updated: 10 Jan 2008

The graph below shows the changing numbers of recent and older cases over time, as well as the number of infected premises that have been resolved.

• Recent cases (red bars) are ones which have been reported as infected within the last 21 days and are likely to still be actively infected.
• Older cases (blue bars) are ones that have been infected for more than 21 days.
• Resolved cases (green bars) are ones that have been assessed and are no longer considered to be infected.

As can be seen, the number of recent cases reached a peak in late September, started to decline from about the second week of October and is now down to 3. Numbers of older cases has also decreased rapidly since late November, as increasing numbers of IPs are resolved. There are now 264 old cases remaining to be resolved, out of a total of about 5,800 cases for the entire outbreak.

Weekly epidemic curve

The graph below shows the number of new infected premises recorded each week of the outbreak since 25 August, as well as the 3-week rolling average number of new cases (red line). Numbers of new cases increased rapidly in the first few weeks, reaching a peak of about 1,000 cases in the 4th week (late September). Numbers of new cases have declined substantially since about week 7. During weeks 11-14 (early November to early December) the number of new cases averaged about 50 per week and has declined further during December to less than 5 per week.

There have been no new cases since the 24th December 2007.

New infected premises

There have been no new infections confirmed by laboratory tests since 24th December 2007.