STOCKYARD
HORSE DISCUSSION FORUMS

mod 6 · 29-08-2007, 10:19 PM

QUEENSLAND

The Minister for Primary Industries has notified that the whole of Queensland is a Standstill Zone for all horses including ponies, donkeys, mules and other equine species. This will remain in place until revoked in order to control the spread of the disease. It is illegal to move any type of horse.

Media Release

Police reminder on equine standstill

Police have intercepted ten people moving horses without approval since the start of the equine standstill.
Under the standstill, no horses of any type, including pets, riding club horses, show animals, donkeys or zebras are allowed to be moved.
Inspector Ian Robertson of the Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad said overall indications are that the community has been compliant with the equine standstill.
“So far there have been no blatant breaches. Those spoken to so far have been genuinely unaware of the implications of moving their horses. They have been provided with details of the standstill and warned of the consequences of any further movements” he said.
Inspector Robertson said the Queensland Police Service is continuing to support the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) throughout the state. As part of their normal patrols police will intercept the movement of equine species to assist in minimising the threat of the disease spreading.
Moving animals without an Inspector’s approval for that specific movement is a breach of the equine standstill and is illegal. The maximum penalty for contravention is currently $150,000 or two years imprisonment.
The horse standstill in Queensland is indefinite while the national standstill will be reviewed on Friday.
Information about the disease and the quarantine restrictions are available on the DPI&F website at Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, Queensland - Home or phone 132523.

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin

Wednesday, August 29, 2007
KENMORE HORSE POSITIVE FOR EQUINE INFLUENZA
A horse being monitored by Queensland Government veterinarians at a Kenmore property in Brisbane’s west has today tested positive for equine influenza.

Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said this was in addition to the already confirmed infections at Warwick, Minden and Rosewood.

“These cases are all linked to a one-day equestrian event in Maitland over a week ago and do not represent fresh, untraceable outbreaks,” he said.

“Of the 268 horses in lockdown at the Warwick site, more than half are showing symptoms of the flu and it is expected that eventually all of those horses will succumb to the illness.

“The horses at Minden, which were originally linked to Warwick, have since been connected only to Maitland and were not at Warwick.

“The Warwick horses are still eating quite well, despite having the flu, and DPI&F vets are working with private vets and owners to make the horses as comfortable as possible,’’ Mr Mulherin said.

“The cost of keeping the horses contained at Warwick under the current quarantine notice is being met by the Queensland Government.

“This is an unprecedented situation and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is very mindful of the welfare of the horses, which will be there for an extended period.’’

Mr Mulherin said there were about a quarter of a million horses in Queensland and only a tiny fraction were directly affected by the flu outbreak.

“The standstill across Queensland is holding up well. The biggest concern now is that people may become a means of transferring infection to other horses outside the quarantined areas,” he said.

“Equine influenza poses no risk to humans, but it is very important that anyone who is exposed to horses or has regular contact with them shower and change into clean clothing and footwear before coming into contact with other horses.

“This also applies to horse equipment, which should not be moved between farms or shared among other horses.

“If we all do the right thing we can restrict the spread of this illness to the quarantine areas and it will run its course,” Mr Mulherin said

The horse standstill in Queensland is indefinite while the national stand still would be reviewed this Friday.

Queensland owners or carers who suspect their horse may be showing signs of respiratory illness should call their veterinary surgeon or the Disease Watch Hotline number 1800 675 888.

The latest information about the disease or the quarantine restrictions are available on the DPI&F website at Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, Queensland - Home or call DPI&F on 13 25 23.

A national call centre has been established to provide general information to horse owners. The number is 1800 234 002.

Animal welfare provisions at Warwick include:

• truckloads of shavings delivered each day to assist with the management of boxes
• marquees relocated to provide shade for horses and veterinary officers
• a dry hay storage site and 500 bales of hay
• shipping containers for feed storage
• exercise areas to allow horses daily exercise sessions
• An on-site farrier.

mod 6 · 29-08-2007, 10:24 PM

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Racing Back On Track

Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Limited racing will be held over the weekend.
Racing will be held at:
Globe Derby Park – Restricted to horses within the quarantine zone (Friday night)
Morphettville – Restricted to SA horses (Saturday)
Racing Minister Michael Wright has advised the industry’s peak bodies that races scheduled for Friday night and Saturday can be held.
“This is a short-term measure to ensure that the state remains free of horse flu and is a move endorsed by the two codes,” he said.
“It’s another important step to get the racing industry back on track.”
Chief Veterinary Officer Rob Rahaley said that stringent controls would be put into place to ensure limited interaction among horses and that only registered trainers, stable hands, strappers and jockeys/drivers attended the meetings.
“Human contact and interaction with animals is a big risk as the horse flu virus is very contagious. “We certainly want people to adhere to stringent protocols regarding horse handling at these events and will be providing people with information and advice to limit the risks.”
All horse movements have been stopped since the weekend when a stock standstill was put into place to keep SA free of equine influenza (horse flu).
The current stock standstill is in force until 12.30pm Friday 31 August 2007 prohibiting the movement of any horse without a permit.
Update:
· SA remains free of horse flu
· Horse owners/riders at Wentworth have been provided with permits to return to SA.
· Horse owners/riders at Werribee have been provided with permits to return to SA.
· Horse SA calls for event organisers to cancel/postpone events planned for the next week.
Web site for further information-

Equine Influenza Response | Home

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Territory Horses Remain Safe

[ 29/08/2007 ]
Northern Territory horses remain free of equine influenza with no reports of suspect cases or horses from infected properties having moved in to the NT.

Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines (DPIFM), Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Brian Radunz said the risk of equine influenza affecting the Territory horses remains low.

“I would still urge horse owners to remain vigilant for signs of equine influenza,” Dr Radunz said.

“If your horse develops a fever or has any nasal discharge, contact your local vet immediately.

“Information has been distributed to vets, stables and feed outlets detailing information about the disease.”

Mr Radunz reminds all horse owners that a national wide stock-stand-still is still in place and included the NT.

“The national stock-stand-still means that no horse should be transported from a property on which they are currently held without a permit,” Mr Radunz said.

“If an owner wishes to seek a permit due to exceptional circumstances, they can contact a DPIFM Movement Control Officer who will consider the application. To contact a Movement Control Officer call 8999 2038.

“There is a fine of $55, 000 per offence if a horse is transported without a permit during the standstill.

“The indefinite national stock-stand-still in NSW and OLD extends until Monday.

“In other states and Territories the standstill continues until Friday at 1pm and will reviewed on Thursday.”

A call centre has been established to provide general information to horse owners. The number is 1800 234 002. Website information is also available at Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines - Primary Industry or National Pests and Disease outbreak .

mod 6 · 30-08-2007, 12:29 PM

Thursday 30th August - EFA Biosecurity Controls for EFA Events
The EFA (WA) have currently adopted a policy for Biosecurity Measures at all EFA(WA) Competitions and Events, which has been developed by Dr Warwick Vale, an FEI Event Veterinarian and an EFA National Medication Control Officer. The inception of this policy has also been embraced by the members of the Department of Agriculture, present at the EI Information Session held last night at the State Equestrian Centre. The transcripts from the Information Session will be available in due course, and will be posted on this website as soon as they come to hand, for EFA(WA) members and the general horse public who were unable to attend.

Whilst it may seem to some that we are being over-cautious, all who attended the Information Session can attest, that the spread of this disease is as simple as someone attending an event wearing the same clothing that a day earlier they were wearing in NSW, when they came into contact with an infected horse.
Until such time as the rest of the country has achieved containment and subsequent eradication of this disease, we cannot be too careful. Our horses are precious to us, and we do not want to go through the heartache that our counterparts in NSW and QLD are experiencing. To this end, we are asking that Event Organisers and Competitors alike, embrace what we are trying to achieve, and play their part in the procedures that we have set in place.
It must be understood that this policy is an interim measure, which will most definitely be downgraded as soon as it is considered safe to do so.
The EFA(WA) would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Dr Warwick Vale, for his tireless efforts since news first broke of this outbreak of EI, last Saturday morning. Due to the quick thinking and thoughtful actions of Dr Vale, EFA(WA) events were cancelled very quickly, minimising risk to our horses, had this disease been present in our State.
We would also like to acknowledge the WA Horse Council and their involvement in organising the Information Session last night, which was well attended by people from all facets of the sport and leisure horse industry. The Speakers, Dr Ashley Mercy and Mr Gary Hodgen from the Dept of Agriculture, and Dr Judith Medd from Racing and Wagering were extremely informative, and reiterated that we are not being overly cautious, but should be applauded for any measures that are adopted to protect our horses.
Therefore, I would encourage all those involved with events/competitions in the near future, to be vigilant and understanding of the procedures that have been put in place. Here’s hoping for a speedy resolution to this situation.

Cath Moss, Acting CEO, EFA WA

biosecurity instructions
http://www.efawa.com.au/site/equestr...0%20Events.doc

mod 6 · 30-08-2007, 05:05 PM

NSW UPDATES

30 Aug 2007
A total of eight out of ten thoroughbreds from a stable at Randwick Racecourse have tested positive to Equine Influenza with Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald seeking an urgent meeting with his Federal counterpart to discuss assistance measures for the industry.
“However, we can confirm that test results from Dubbo, Newcastle, Rosehill and Warwick Farm are all clear,” he said.
“There’s no doubt, the confirmed positive results unfortunately will wreak havoc on the Sydney spring racing carnival at Randwick and cause massive problems for the State’s multi-billion racing industry.
“I have met with racing officials today to discuss our options and I am seeking an urgent meeting with Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran to see just what the Commonwealth can do to help.
“Of course, the Equine virus is also posing a major problem for the many leisure horse enthusiasts in the State as well – they must not be left out of the equation.”
Minister Macdonald said there were now 488 infected horses on 41 known properties across NSW in areas including Centennial Park and the Eastern Creek Quarantine station in Sydney as well as near Parkes, Moonbi and Berry.
“Many of these animals have just moved from suspect to infected – in line with our expectations. This is an extremely infectious disease,” he said.
“In addition, another 1646 horses are suspected of having Equine Influenza on another 100 properties.
“Veterinarians are monitoring their health and owners have been asked to keep a close eye on their animals and exercise vigilance with hygiene and disinfection.”
Minister Macdonald said several new infected properties were the same locations as yesterday’s suspect centres.
“New restricted areas have now been established at Hornsby, East Maitland, Eagleton, Lake Macquarie and Timbumburi,” he said.
“Now, more than ever, people who come into contact with horses must exercise strict hygiene. They MUST wash their clothing and not move between horse properties.
“People are also advised not to transport equipment between properties.
“People are also asked to keep horses away from boundaries in restricted areas. This provides a buffer zone to protect horses from infection

All the information people in these areas need to know is available on the NSW DPI website and also via the 1800 number - 1800 675 888.

DONATIONS
30 Aug 2007
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has established a donation line so members of the community can give a helping hand to horses and their owners in lockdown at properties across NSW.
The owners are caring for their horses which have been quarantined to stop the spread of equine influenza (EI).
EI DONATION LINE: (02) 4640 6560
Concern for the welfare of horses in lockdown has motivated the Johnston family of Baradine to send a free load of feed to Parkes.
Jeremy Johnson will this evening deliver 76 bags of “Sweetbulk” feed to Parkes and it will be taken by disease control staff to the showgrounds where more than 35 horses are in lockdown.
Stockfeed supplier, Glenda Johnston, said her son had already taken 192 bags of feed to horses affected by the EI lockdown at Warwick in Queensland and was now on his way to Parkes.
“We’re on the land too. We understand how difficult it would be for those people to feed their horses and we wanted to help,” Mrs Johnston said.
Acknowledging that people in lockdown are experiencing a difficult time, NSW DPI has called on the public to offer their help to the affected people and horses.
Supported by DOCs, RSPCA and NSW Health, NSW DPI staff are helping care for, feed and house horses and owners in quarantined zones and has asked local communities to support their new neighbours in any way they can.
The public are reminded that no horse movements are allowed in NSW and that they are not to enter a quarantined area where the horses and owners are in lockdown.
Further information: Equine Influenza | NSW Department of Primary Industries
KEY CONTACTS
NSW Equine Influenza Hotline 1800 675 888

Change your feed regime for quarantined horses

30 Aug 2007
Many horses that have been quarantined in the equine flu outbreak will suddenly be going from regular work to being confined.
This means that instead of burning off the calories, they could be piling on the weight.
“Handlers, trainers and owners need to understand that they should change the diet of horses that are out of work,” said a DPI vet.
“This applies particularly to performance horses that are not being worked.
“To avoid digestive upsets, roughage (hay, chaff and pasture) needs to be provided at 80-100 per cent of the diet.
“This means it is necessary to reduce the concentrate such as grains, pellets, meal and oil content of the ration that is normally fed.
“Avoid feeding high protein feeds, especially to sick animals, to reduce the protein load on the horse’s digestive system.”
Feed pasture hay or a mixture of lucerne, oaten and or clover hays at the rate of 1.5 to 2 kg/100 kg bodyweight. If hay alone is not available, there is a table on the DPI website that gives quantities of feed suitable to meet the energy and protein requirements of idle horses and ponies in confinement.
There is also a link to Primefact 494 and other information.
In general, the rules for feeding are:

Use good quality ingredients that are free of weeds, mould and other contaminants.
High protein feeds eg protein meals and lucerne as a sole feed should be avoided, especially in sick horses.
Introduce new feeds slowly. Mix or shandy new feed with those that the horse is already eating.
Feed little and often. It is best to give the required quantity of feed in at least two but preferably three feeds each day.
Feed and water individual horses in their own containers, do not swap or share feeders and waterers between horses.
Handle and feed sick horses last and use good hygiene practice.
Healthy horses should be walked on a lead or the owner, regular rider or groom can give some light exercise (ridden or lunging) each day if possible.
Pregnant and lactating mares and growing horses need to be fed additional feed to meet production requirements.

More information: Equine Influenza | NSW Department of Primary Industries

mod 6 · 30-08-2007, 05:06 PM

NSW CONT

30 Aug 2007
Horse owners have been advised to keep their horses and donkeys away from boundary fences wherever possible to stop the spread of equine influenza (EI).
EI can be easily passed on between properties if infected horses come into contact with neighbours at boundary fences.
It is vital that all horse owners, whether on large commercial properties or small hobby blocks, play their part in eradicating this highly contagious disease.
Key Contacts:
NSW Equine Influenza Hotline: 1800 675 888
More information: Equine Influenza | NSW Department of Primary Industries

30 Aug 2007
Riding horses is allowed in NSW as long as they don’t leave their home property, NSW DPI deputy chief veterinary officer Ian Roth.
“You can’t move a horse from its home property in NSW, but you can ride it around at home,” he said.
“This includes trail rides which do not leave the home property.”
But people moving on and off horse properties should take all necessary precautions not to spread equine influenza (EI).
“We advise that you DON’T visit different horse properties,” he said.
“Although people do not suffer from equine influenza, they can transfer the infection between horses.
“The influenza virus can survive on skin, fabrics and the surface of saddlery and horse equipment. But it is easily killed by cleaning and disinfection.
“Personal hygiene and clean equipment are critically important so disease is not spread.
“This means showering or washing exposed skin with soap and water, removing and washing clothing after exposure to the horses and cleaning and disinfecting footwear.”
Mr Roth said movements on and off infected properties under quarantine are strictly controlled.

For more information you can ring the hotline on 1800 675 888 or go to the website Equine Influenza | NSW Department of Primary Industries

Battling horse flu in cyberspace

30 Aug 2007
Horse owners around New South Wales who have internet access can help fight the battle against equine influenza (EI) - on the web.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries has maintained a comprehensive addition to its web site on the unfolding effort to contain the disease outbreak.
There has been unprecedented traffic on the EI website since its launch on August 25, with over ten thousand hits recorded in six days.
This is the first animal health crisis that has been tackled using the internet as a fully-endorsed partner in the operation.
“Horse owners can apply for movement permits over the web,” said DPI deputy chief veterinary officer Ian Roth.
“Owners who are affected by the restricted areas that have been declared around the State can enter the details of their horses.
“The site is packed with information on all aspects of the disease outbreak.”
With most homes in New South Wales having access to the internet, the website has evolved as an integral part of the process of informing and reporting to major stakeholders.
There are maps of the restricted areas that have been declared, forms for reporting horse holdings in restricted areas and for permit applications.
The web site contains essential advice for handling affected stock and for disinfecting clothing and other material that has come in contact with infected animals.
There is advice for horse industry professionals such as farriers and dentists, and a list of questions and answers about the disease and how to cope.
Just as importantly there are contact numbers to help people find out even more, or to access help that is being offered.
The site shows that while equine influenza has not occurred here before, governments across Australia have had contingency plans ready to spring into action should it happen.
“This website has become an essential tool for people to keep abreast of an unfolding situation,” Mr Roth said.
“In the past it may have taken days or even weeks to disseminate the information and advice we can now deliver at the press of a keyboard button.
“The website at Equine Influenza | NSW Department of Primary Industries is updated in real time so there is always the most current view of the battle available.”
Viewers can also follow a time line of the fight through the many media releases that have been issued as the outbreak unfolds.
If all else fails, though, there is always the option of talking to real people about the flu outbreak by calling the hotline number that has been set up for all equine influenza inquiries - 1800 675 888.

Randwick horse tests positive

30 Aug 2007
NSW DPI this morning said a Randwick Racecourse horse tested for equine influenza has tested positive.
Initial tests at the NSW DPI’s Elizabeth Macarthur laboratories, Menangle, have detected Influenza A.
Additional samples from the horse are being tested at Menangle and sample sent to the Australian Animal Health Laboratories (AAHL) in Geelong for additional confirmation.
More information: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza

mod 6 · 30-08-2007, 05:09 PM

there is not to my knowledge any more updates for the other states that I can find if anyone has any links or info to pass on then please feel free to pm me the info so it can be included here when I update each day

mod 6 · 30-08-2007, 05:40 PM

EQUINE INFLUENZA

30 August 2007
Getting rid of contaminated waste

Horse owners involved in the current equine influenza outbreak have to worry about more than the health of their animals.
They are also faced with what to do with waste generated from around the infected animals.
There are guidelines that should be followed to ensure that contaminated waste does not pose a further problem.
Research has shown that the equine flu virus can be killed as soon as the temperature reaches 50 degrees Celsius.
This means that bedding material such as straw can be burnt, effectively killing the virus.
It can also be composted in a site where it will not enter the water table or the environment.
Exposure to ultraviolet light for 30 minutes will also do the trick, but the likelihood of that being available in the field is pretty remote.
Composting, burial or burning of contaminated bedding, manure and other stable waste will inactivate the virus.
Burning or burial might not be feasible at large communal training complexes, and in these circumstances a permit can be sought for removal to an appropriate facility.
Rigorous personal disinfection and hygiene is paramount for all horse handlers, trainers, jockeys, equine dental technicians, farmers, branders and chiropractors.
Premises such as tie-up stalls at racecourses, communal training and eventing complexes that have held animals from infected premises or held under surveillance should be kept vacant for 10 days then cleaned and disinfected before reuse.

Equine Influenza HOTLINE: 1800 675 888

EI RISKS - PEOPLE CAN UNWITTINGLY TRANSFER THE DISEASE ON HANDS, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

Humans can unwittingly transfer horse flu, NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Ian Roth, said today.
“We want to send a clear message to the public – don’t unwittingly transfer the disease on hands, clothing and equipment,” Mr Roth said.
“We are hearing reports of people moving between horse properties without taking the right appropriate decontamination measures
“To put it bluntly, this must not happen.
“The State Government has a stop standstill in place across the State and people must abide by that. It’s indefinite, contrary to one media report in the rural press that was absolutely inaccurate.
“Today, there are 41 infected properties across the State.
“I stress that these properties have just moved from suspect to infected.
“The department has said all along we predicted this to happen - our surveillance intelligence told us these horses were very likely to test positive – they were all showing symptoms.”
New infected properties are at the same locations as yesterday’s suspect centres
These are Arcadia, Aberdeen, Londonderry, Terry Hie Hie, east Maitland, Redfern, Clarendon (Hawkesbury, Quakers Hill, Glenorie, Cooranbong, Catti and Pitt Town.
New restricted areas have now been established at Hornsby, east Maitland, Eagleton, Lake Macquarie, Terry Hie Hie and Timbumburi.
There are more than 800 horses in NSW under complete lockdown.
“Veterinarians are monitoring their health and owners have been asked to keep a close eye on their animals and exercise absolute vigilance with hygiene and disinfection,” Mr Roth said.

30 August 2007

admin · 30-08-2007, 06:15 PM

Excellent work mod 6 - many thanks!! Your time and effort is very much appreciated!!

cheers...admin

mod 6 · 30-08-2007, 06:17 PM

thanks heaps boss its my pleasure lol I had to sticky it I didnt have the time to keep finding it lol

mod 6 · 31-08-2007, 09:02 AM

latest nsw news releases

No horses on the roads

31 Aug 2007
The current equine influenza (EI) emergency in NSW has brought all horse movements across the State to a standstill.
That means if you see a horse float on the roads, containing horses or not, it probably should not be there.
The only horse movements permitted are those for which a permit has been issued.
No permit, no horse movements.
The ban applies to horses, donkeys and other equine animals, floats and vehicles used to transport horses.
All police in New South Wales have been appointed stock inspectors for the purposes of this outbreak.
People who suspect that horses or donkeys are being moved illegally under the current restrictions should report what they see to Police or to the Department of Primary Industries.
Moving any horses within a restricted area without first obtaining a permit could lead to a fine of up to $44,000 and up to 12 months imprisonment.
NSW Department of Primary Indusrtries vets have also called for horse owners within restricted areas to use common sense when they are handling their stock.
People on infected properties should wherever possible keep their horses, whether they are showing symptoms or not, away from boundary fences to reduce the chance of infecting neighbouring horses.
EI is a highly contagious disease, and while it has been shown that it can spread on the wind over about 8km, sensible care of animals will reduce or prevent this.
Key Contacts:
NSW Equine Influenza Hotline: 1800 675 888
More information: Equine Influenza | NSW Department of Primary Industries

Narrabri campdrafters urged to monitor horses

31 Aug 2007
Owners of horses attending a campdraft at Narrabri last weekend have been urged to keep an eye on their horses for symptoms of equine influenza (EI).
Surveillance teams based at the State Disease Control Headquarters have traced suspect horses which had been in contact with EI horses infected at Maitland.
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Bruce Christie said the new cases highlight the critical need for movement restrictions as just one infected horse can infect others with the virus.
“The horses at Narrabri were assessed by veterinarians and at the time considered a low risk,” he said.
“They were given permits to travel straight home and their contact details were recorded in case the situation changed.
“Now the situation has changed we are contacting the owners. We are advising them to monitor their animals for the symptoms of equine influenza.
“All suspect cases are being kept under stringent quarantine and closely monitored until their status can be confirmed.
“To eliminate the spread of EI it’s essential all horse owners support the current standstill,, don’t let other people handle their horses and stay away from other horses.”
Horses, ponies and donkeys can not be moved anywhere in the State.
Key Contacts:
NSW Equine Influenza Hotline: 1800 675 888
More information: Equine Influenza | NSW Department of Primary Industries

STOCKYARD HORSE DISCUSSION FORUMS

STOCKYARD
HORSE DISCUSSION FORUMS