Future EI issues
The National Management Group (NMG) overseeing the response to equine influenza has considered a range of issues including vaccine deployment, and the development of contingency plans for further response options.
NMG noted the focus of the response continues to be control of the disease with a view to eradication.
The current disease control priority remains the creation of buffer zones through vaccination around areas of high disease concentration aimed at limiting the spread.
NMG agreed on the action required to deliver the allocation of vaccines determined by Federal and State Ministers at their meeting on Monday 8 October. This would provide for the vaccination of 93,160 horses - 37,740 horses in Queensland, 43,550 in NSW, 8,900 in Victoria, and 770 in the ACT.
Horses within buffer zones, and high value horses including thoroughbred racing horses and Olympic level equestrian horses, would be included in this vaccination programme. A reserve supply of vaccine will be maintained for up to 2,200 horses. Sufficient additional vaccine will be ordered to cover the full course of vaccination required for these horses. Further vaccination requirements and supply will be kept under active review.
In responding to Ministers, NMG agreed to develop an early presentation on possible future scenarios for the management of equine influenza. This would include what policies would be required to support these scenarios, trigger points for changes to the response strategy, and the implications for issues such as vaccination.
Other issues NMG considered included: changes to zoning arrangements in NSW and Queensland aimed at keeping the outbreak within contained areas and to enable movement in certain zones under strict guidelines; protocols for the movement of previously infected horses; proof of disease freedom in animals, premises, areas, and nationally; and a draft scenario cost analysis as a supporting tool for decision making.
NMG also welcomed the developments that restrictions on horses stabled at Centennial Park had been eased to allow horses to be exercised in the Park and move from the Park on permit, and a protocol had been developed in collaboration with the racing industry for the management of horses required to be relocated from Randwick racecourse.
NMG is comprised of the Chief Executive Officers of the Commonwealth and State/Territory departments of agriculture/primary industries across Australia and also the heads of the peak bodies representing the horse industry. It is chaired by the Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Conall O’Connell.
Michele Cullen, Stallions Daily Bulletin, 20 October 2007
