Latest DPI Update 18 September
NSW
There are currently 1183 infected properties, 362
dangerous contact properties and 273 suspect properties. The new infected
properties reported yesterday continue to occur in existing restricted
areas.
An announcement about a new zoning strategy is
anticipated in the next few days. The aim of the zoning strategy will be to
contain the area of infection within containment lines. Vaccination may be used
to provide buffer-zones around the infected areas, preventing
property-to-property drift to areas that are currently not infected. It is
unlikely that broad scale vaccination of horses within the infected zones will
be allowed.
A policy to allow foaling mares to move under
permit in certain circumstances has been developed. See the movements page on
the website (www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza/movements) for more details.
The number of Restricted Areas remains at
23.
The spread of infection from property to property
remains very high in areas around Windsor, Wilberforce, Annangrove, Maraylya,
Terrey Hills, French’s Forest and Gosford.
In the news
As yesterday’s update was going out, The Minister
announced that horse flu vaccine will be imported for use in new special equine
influenza buffer zones in NSW. See the full Media release (http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/vaccine-for-buffer-zones ) or listen to the Minister’s announcement (http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza/media-resources/radio-news-downloads).
The owner of a horse health business has spoken
out about the impact of the equine influenza outbreak on her newly established
business. Ironically, on seeking temporary employment, she has landed a job at
the local disease control centre. See the full Media release (http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/help-fight-against-ei).
Steve Dunn, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has
reminded horse owners throughout the state that they have a legal responsibility
under the Exotic Diseases Act to report any horse displaying flu-like symptoms.
Failure to report may result in a fine of up to $22,000! See the full Media
release (http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/recent-news/agriculture-news-releases/report-sick-horses).
We have received requests about how to care for
horses suffering from equine influenza. A new factsheet with this information
will be published on the website later today.
