Victorian DPI Update

Equine Influenza in Australia 2007: Victoria Situation Report

Date: Tuesday 18 September 2007 – 1800 hrs

Background

• The first suspected case of Equine Influenza (EI) was detected at Eastern Creek Quarantine Station in New South Wales on 17 August.
• Further cases were subsequently detected on other properties.

• Spread via the movement of people has been implicated in at least two of the NSW foci.
  
  
• No disease incidents have been reported from any of the other states and territories.
  
  
• In NSW a policy to allow foaling mares to move under permit in certain circumstances has been developed. The number of RAs remains at 23.
  
  
• A vaccinated buffer zone is to be implemented around the outbreak in NSW.
  
  
• In a Dalby court (Qld), a 21-year-old stockman has been fined $4,500 and a conviction recorded for illegally moving horses last month.
  
  
• Queensland's leading apprentice jockey has been suspended for a month and fined $5000 for breaching horse flu quarantine restrictions. He had breached strict biosecurity by bringing a skull cap and vest he had used in Sydney onto Brisbane's Eagle Farm racecourse on Saturday.
  
  
• Horse events have been cancelled at this year’s royal show in Launceston.
  
  
• Over the last week, infected properties and the number of horses involved were:

• Victoria remains free of EI

1. Surveillance and testing

• Since the beginning of the standstill, 181 investigations have been conducted and samples from more than 436 horses have been taken with no positive results recorded.
• All properties and horses have now been released from quarantine.

• A security firm is providing effective 24 hour surveillance on all border crossings between NSW and Victoria and will operate until further notice. Victoria Police are providing assistance.

• Movement of horses into Victoria from NSW and/or Qld is prohibited.
• Movement of horse vehicles, fittings and equipment into Victoria from NSW is prohibited unless under permit.

• The DPI website has been revamped to provide clearer access to important information for all industry stakeholders.
• Biosecurity guidelines for riding instructors are now available on the Victorian DPI website.
• The DPI is very appreciative of the support of the peak industry bodies by recommending members cancel events for September.
• It is important that recreational horse owners continue to be vigilant and observant.
• Owners and horse practitioners should continue to observe and practice strict hygiene measures and report all horses showing signs suspicious of EI.
• Biosecurity discussions have been held with farriers and horse dentists.
• Owners found to have illegally moved horses into Victoria will be prosecuted and horses may face destruction.

Dr Hugh Millar
Chief Veterinary Officer (Victoria)

Previous Equine Influenza Situation Reports