EQUINE INFLUENZA

At a time of year when we would normally be discussing foals, foaling and reproduction unfortunately this year there is something much more urgent and devastating to discuss.  As everybody will be only too well aware, Australia is experiencing an outbreak of exotic disease amongst the horse population.  Equine Influenza has arrived and has been rapidly dispersed around many regions of NSW and South East Queensland there are more than 1000 horses affected.

Thankfully, so far there have been no reported outbreaks in our region and if everyone obeys all Department of Primary Industry guidelines we may be able to remain that way.  Astoundingly, while the vast majority of people are doing the right thing despite personal cost or loss of income, some people are continuing to flaunt the laws or feel that somehow it does not apply to them, or do not understand the issues or the scale involved.

In an effort to contain and eradicate equine influenza from Australia, the DPI has halted all horse movements in NSW indefinitely.  They are however, unable to completely halt movements of horse people and it is this which is forming one of the most damaging forms of disease spread.  Our best advice to help you to help us to keep your horses disease free is for everybody to follow industry guidelines and to ensure our friends and neighbours do the same.

Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral disease which can cause rapidly spreading outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses and other equines.  Equine influenza has been exotic to Australia which has given us great advantage over other horse countries and it would have a major impact on all owners if it is allowed to become established here.  The disease is generally not fatal to horses, however fatalities may occur in old, sick or very young horses.

The virus is usually spread by:
> direct contact between infected and susceptible horses
> indirect contact with infected tack or equipment
> susceptible horses occupying buildings or vehicles recently occupied by diseased horses
> contact between contaminated horse handlers and healthy horses.

If you suspect that your horse could have equine influenza  (+/- nasal discharge, +/- temperature, +/-cough, +/- dull/off feed) or could have been exposed through means outlined above please contact the Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

In order to protect your horse and property keep your horse away from other horses.  Do not move your horse.  If you have contact with other horses scrub your footwear with disinfectant, shower, wash your hair and change all clothes before coming in to contact with your own horses.  If you have contact with a sick or suspect horse do not go near another horse, horse property or horse person for 72 hours.  Cancel all non emergency farrier, chiropractor, vet, feed deliveries, riding lessons etc.  Do not hold or attend gatherings of horse people (meetings, awards nights etc- you do not know if everyone else is as careful as you).

The standstill order will stay in place indefinitely in NSW as there are still new cases appearing.  These movement restrictions mean that you must not move your horse without a permit for any reason.  There are penalties of up to $44,000 and 12 months jail for those who consider themselves above the law.  You cannot ride your horse off your private property.  The tethering of horses in public places like reserves and nature strips is not allowed.

Movement permits are only being issued at this time for emergency treatment in a veterinary hospital etc at this time in NSW.  Other states will soon be re introducing limited movements as they are disease free at this time.  Empty horse floats may not be used for moving feed, furniture etc either.  

For more information call the National hotline on 1800 234 002 or NSW 1800 675 888, see www.outbreak.gov.au , listen to 2KY (locally fm95.5) or watch TVN on Austar etc.

At Riverdene, in order to protect your horses and allow us to achieve as much as possible within the confines of the current situation we have taken the pro-active approach of putting the property (stud and hospital) into a “lockdown” situation whereby the gates are locked and no one comes on to the property to make deliveries, pay accounts, pick up medications etc.  Staff have been fully briefed on the outbreak and instructed to have minimum contact with the equine world outside Riverdene.  Outside the property vets are currently undertaking emergency calls only and adopting biosecurity friendly practices.
Within the property however, it is very much “full steam ahead” with foals arriving (around 45 so far) and stallions all in good health and serving with great enthusiasm (over 40 resident mares covered by 3/9/07).  The grass is lush and very welcome after the hard times last year.  There are a limited number of horses in hospital who despite being “locked in” appear to be thriving during their time here and are benefiting from a somewhat extended period of close veterinary attention.

With the equine industry being the third largest in Australia and being responsible for the employment of over 300,000 people it is easy to see what a devastating effect this is having and how frustrating it is to still have members of the public (including horse owners) wondering what the fuss is all about.

As members of the 300,000 who depend on the equine industry for our livelihood, we are hoping for a speedy end to the situation and a return to Australia’s Influenza free status.  As was quoted recently by a prominent Sydney trainer there aren’t too many people in the equine industry with glass chins.  We thank everyone for their patience and their adherence to both the laws and best practice guidelines and we hope that everyone involved can weather the storm.