Equine Influenza - A ban on moving all horses

[Melz]

I know this is a car forum, but I thought I would let the fellow horse owners on here now that there is a NATIONWIDE ban on moving ALL horses. Initially only NSW had the ban applied, and even from 3:00pm today Police have been asking drivers with horse floats to turn around where they came from.

So even though you may think that you are no where near the risk of your horse contracting the virus, please adhere to the ban.


What is equine influenza
Equine influenza (EI) is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease which can cause rapidly spreading outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses and other equine species. EI is exotic to Australia and would have a major impact on the Australian horse industry if it were to become established here.

Transmission of EI virus to humans has not occurred during outbreaks of EI in horses.

Clinical signs
The main clinical signs of EI are usually a sudden increase in temperature (to between 39°C and 41°C); a deep, dry, hacking cough; and a watery nasal discharge, which may later become mucopurulent. Other signs can include depression, loss of appetite, laboured breathing, and muscle pain and stiffness.

Protecting your horse from equine influenza
Keep your horse away from other horses.
If you have contact with other horses scrub your footwear in disinfectant, shower and change your clothes before handling your horse.
If you have contact with a sick horse do not go near another horse for 72 hours.
What should I do if I suspect equine influenza?
If your horse develops signs that suggest it may have Equine Influenza ring 1800 675 888.

From www.equestrian.org.au

[Melz]

According to EFA (governing horse body) the Nationwide ban will stand for licenced racehorse trainers, and throughout the rest of NSW as for the rest of the country there isn't a full imposed ban, yet. The rest of the racing industry will have no racing, and it is 'strongly' suggested that there is restricted movement of horses.

NSW is a high risk area with symptoms appearing in pleasure horses at Centennial Park, hence why they have banned events in NSW and travel there.
All horse racing has been cancelled in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA & WA.

Two emails later.. now I'm more confused

[Mark351]

Don't be too confused. After Felicity spent today platting the pony, cleaning gear, washing the float etc, the local Corio & Mooroobool show has also been cancelled. It'll hurt the club financially but not much can be done.

[Polyal]

Isn't the effected horse in quarantine?

[Melz]

The original infected horse is in quarantine, but there has been exposure to other horses that were on the same flight.
EI can be transfered by humans (but not caught) on clothing and hands. It is suspected that a person worked with the infected horse and then went to see another horse, and therefore the risk is there for contamination.

There are other stories floating about...

[Melz]

And its now 'official'

Courtesy of EFA

EFA National Office, Saturday, 25 August 2007

Following the confirmation of Equine Influenza in horses stabled at Centennial Park in the centre of Sydney, the NSW Minister for Agriculture has cancelled all horse events and all horse movements in NSW. We have now received information that the standstill applies to the whole of Australia for at least 72 hours.


Please pass on this message to all horse people you know.

National Standstill Notice
EI Questions and Answers

National Equine Influenza Hotline: 1800 234 002


We urge all horse owners and riders not to transport their horses and to avoid making contact with other horses. They should thoroughly wash after contact with their horses. They should also watch out for any symptoms of infection in their horses, like a raised temperature, nasal discharge and coughing, and if present, report this firstly to their vet and, particluarly if groups of horses are involved, call the disease emergency hotline 1800 675 888.
All equestrian events are to be called off pending further information on the extent of the Equine Influenza outbreak, unless the relevant Department of Primary Industry gives permission subject to special conditions.



National Standstill on Horse Movements
Australia’s Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) met
this morning (25 August 2007) to discuss responses to the strong suspicion that
equine influenza has occurred in two premises near Sydney, one at the Eastern Creek
Quarantine Station and the other at the Centennial Park Equestrian Centre.
A complete standstill has been declared on all movements of horses, including
donkeys and mules, in NSW by the NSW Department of Primary Industries in an
effort to control the spread of equine influenza and to prevent it from becoming
established in Australia. NSW Department of Primary Industries is sending Inspectors
under the Stock Diseases Act 1923 to inspect horses where there is concern that they
may have been exposed to an infected horse.
The Chief Veterinary Officers of other states and territories, together with industry
representatives agreed at this morning’s CCEAD meeting to recommend a 72 hour
national standstill on horse movements, starting from 1.00 pm today as part of a coordinated
national response consistent with Australia’s veterinary emergency plan
(AUSVETPLAN). The purpose is to reduce the risk of spreading infection by
avoiding congregations of horses from different origins. Racing clubs and other
equine associations are being asked to cancel or postpone any meetings or events.
Owners are also being asked to limit contact between their horses and other horses as
much as possible and not to move their horses.
For events already underway, organisers are requested to contact the State Department
of Agriculture regarding advice on how to manage the standstill in relation to these
events.
For states other than NSW, some movement of horses in transit will be allowed to
continue, if they had already left their usual place of residence. They will be able to
return provided that the journey can be completed expeditiously:
• only within the state
• preferably completed within 4 hours
• completed with no contact with other horses not of the same consignment
(or at the same event).
• The movement is directly back to the premises from which the current
journey originated and on which the horses had been held or were present
immediately prior to the recent movement
Note that for NSW a complete standstill applies i.e. no movement at all.
On return home the horses should be isolated from other horses and watched closely
for fever and respiratory signs. Equine influenza can be spread by humans so wash
hands and change clothes before handling other horses. All horse owners should keep
a close watch on their animals and report any signs of fever, coughing or respiratory
symptoms to their local veterinarian.
Further information on equine influenza is available at
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agricultur...orse/influenza
DISINFECTION AND APPROVED DISINFECTANTS
Equine influenza virus can easily be killed by vigorous cleaning and disinfection of
potentially contaminated objects and is rapidly inactivated by exposure to ultraviolet
light.
A dirty surface must always be cleaned thoroughly before it can be satisfactorily
disinfected. Organic material such as dirt, manure and straw may neutralise the
disinfectant and make it useless. It is therefore most important that anything that must
be disinfected is first thoroughly washed and cleaned and finally washed down or
sprayed with an approved disinfectant.
Virkon® at a 1:100 dilution rate is the disinfectant of first choice for use on clothing,
footwear, transport vehicles and equipment. Where bulk disinfection of stables and
buildings is required is required, other chemicals may be more cost-effective.
As disinfectants and chemicals can be irritant, persons handling them should always
read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and wear protective
clothing as necessary.
Further information about cleaning and disinfection can be found in the
AUSVETPLAN Decontamination Manual which is available on-line at
http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com...tplan_home.cfm

[MotherNatureVer2]

Thanks heaps for the info Melz.

We havent got anything in the ring at the moment thankfully. I think we were lucky having our annual Polocrosse last weekend ....... There isnt any other local shows here in the near future.

Fingers crossed that there is no one here who comes into contact with this nasty virus.

[rodderz]

They' want to knock it on the head before the Spring Racing Carnival which is only weeks away and the biggest time of the year for the Gee Gee's.

I was telling Doc today...there's gonna be 1000's of bored blokes walking around today with a useless formguide in the back pocket who can't get their TAB fix...they may even have to spend time with the missus! lol

[Melz]

Nah rodderz, there are still greyhounds

[rodderz]

Originally Posted by Melz

Nah rodderz, there are still greyhounds

doggies will be popular tonight...lol

Or they may put a few bucks on the winner of Australia idol lol

[heven67]

I took the mustang out today and the cops were all over me! But they didnt say I couldnt drive it!
Must be on some models only!

[ebxr8240]

Only thoroughbreds and standardbreds...
Mustangs are immune ... Lol....

[carnutt]

That's going to bugger our local Show ( due end of Sept) and we have horse sales approx every 4 weeks . horses come from Sydney , Tumut -Gundagai , Canberra , Albury , West wyalong and Wagga area's .

Horses sold go as far as QLD & VIC , seems like it will put a stop to that .

Great , seeing the drought is expanding again . Wouldn't be a farmer for "Quids" . :togo:

[The Yeti]

I think this infected horse was a plant by the catholics to quell the argument for conpensation by the turf club for when they have catholic day there later this year,

Or have I just read the devinci code too recently

[[Tonko]]

Does this mean Glue and dog food will be cheaper?



jokes...
It would be a shame to see the Melbourne cup cancelled, i wanted to go this year :(

[lush]

latest update is that the ban has been extended to 3rd Sept. National lock down continues with 451 suspected cases and 51 of them confirmed at about 53 sites so far. Travelling very fast, NSW Racing is now on an indefinate ban.

Waiting for 3 test results from horses at Randwick still, should they be confirmed Randwick is likely to be in lockdown for 30-60 days, locking in the 700 off top racehorses there. Would definently throw the race prep out for a lot of them.

Not even allowed to ride your horse down the road at the moment, as its airborne.

[ebxr8240]

Its going to cost some $$$ BUT I do get sick of some of them saying how much they are LOOSING !!! They are not loosing it !! They are just NOT earning it...
Slight difference....

[RSgerry]

i am currently working in the industry in WA and there is a lot of people very worried about this. the problem is that humans can carry it between animals, so locking down horses only is only a small part of containing the disease. the greyhounds are experiencing an increase in betting though...

[Dazza XLT]

http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/28/2017083.htm

Horse-free Birdsville Races a possibility
Posted 1 hour 49 minutes ago

For the first time in its 125 year history, the famous Birdsville Races may go ahead this weekend without horses.

Horses cannot travel to the tiny outback western Queensland town as the national horse transport ban has been extended until Friday.

Birdsville Race Club president David Brook says it is a great disappointment.

"The total lockdown on the movement of horses remains, well we won't be able to get the horses here," he said.
"Disappointing for all the patrons who would want to see horse racing and businesses who have planned for the event ... and obviously it would be a lesser event without the horses."

Mr Brook believes guidelines published on the Queensland Racing website today may offer the club an exemption on horse travel.
However, he says that possibility remains unlikely.

Meanwhile, this weekend's Richmond campdraft has been postponed.
The Saxby Round-Up committee is hopeful its event will still go ahead later this month.

[ebxr8240]

Yea there's talk about "wife" carrying races...
Instead...

[rodderz]

Originally Posted by ebxr8240

Yea there's talk about "wife" carrying races...
Instead...

There was also talk of the "Egg n Spoon" Race, and the Three-Legged Race on Derby Day :

[Scott]

Originally Posted by ebxr8240

Its going to cost some $$$ BUT I do get sick of some of them saying how much they are LOOSING !!! They are not loosing it !! They are just NOT earning it...
Slight difference....

No difference. If you were going to make it, and now you're not, you've lost it. Period.

[Grum]

If the races go ahead without horses, my bet is that it will be the best day at the "races" they have ever had and the one they will talk about for the next 100 years. Its the Aussie way to turn something like this into a stupid way to have a laugh.

[Mechan1k]

Saw a 4WD with horse float get pulled over on the M7 this afternoon.
Silly bugger ... $44,000 fine heading his way.

He's going to be spewing.

You can't even take an empty horse float around ... as you are suspected that you have already transported a horse.

I need to go and get wood shavings to line the stables at home ... but can't even get those at the moment ... good thing I have stocked up on feed already.

The actual Quarantine location is about 1km from my in-laws place at eastern Creek ... and they do horse agistment as well ... they are in lock down at the moment as well.

All shows that we were going to be attending for the rest of the year are going to be postponed that far that I'd dare say they will be cancelled.

I doubt that any of the Spring Racing Carnival will go ahead.

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by lush

latest update is that the ban has been extended to 3rd Sept. National lock down continues with 451 suspected cases and 51 of them confirmed at about 53 sites so far. Travelling very fast, NSW Racing is now on an indefinate ban.

Waiting for 3 test results from horses at Randwick still, should they be confirmed Randwick is likely to be in lockdown for 30-60 days, locking in the 700 off top racehorses there. Would definently throw the race prep out for a lot of them.

Not even allowed to ride your horse down the road at the moment, as its airborne.

Just heard Randwick has been cleared.

The problem though is the strappers at Randwick own horses at Centennial Park agistment in Sydney ... so that's how they suspected it may have got to Randwick.

The reason it has started spreading so quickly is that some that worked at the Quarantine station at Eastern Creek ... went to Centennial Park to feed their horse and passed it onto all the horses there (via human contact).

And for some reason they let a number of horses out of Centennial Park to attend a large horse show in Maitland. From there is spread to many country towns in NSW ... and across to Warwick in QLD ... this has then spread from there.

Apparently the EI has an "effective" 2km airborne radius from the source as well. Not good to know.

I am keeping an eye on our horses at home myself.

And there goes our chance of getting the mares serviced this year ... oh well ... no foals for another year.

[Grum]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

And there goes our chance of getting the mares serviced this year ... oh well ... no foals for another year.

What do you have? My girlfriend has 1x TB stallion and 2x QH stallions located near camden that are all clear of the flu. If your interested I'm sure she can work something out.

[Mechan1k]

4 mad arabs ... well ... not that mad ... but they have brain farts occasionally.

2 pure-bred arabian mares (16yo chestnut ... and a 5yo dark bay)
2 pure-bred arabian Geldings (10yo chestnut ... 2yo chestnut)

All the chestnut Arabs have 4 white socks ... full white blaze ... the young Gelding has flaxon (tri-colour mane and tail but is fading a bit with age)

We had 2 stallions lined up at www.riveroakarabians.com.au ... Bec has known Ray and Kerry Smith her whole life .. and thhey live around the corner from us as well.

couple of years ago we put our older broodmare to one of Mulawa Stallions.

Bec wants to breed pure-bred arabians for show ... so really after pure-breds really. Thanks for the offer.

Where in Camden ... I lived in Camden from borth to 20yo ... so grew up there ... nice little town (that is growing).

[Grum]

Well untill last week she lived near the ford dealer in town (the horses were spread out between cobity, tamworth and the farm in southern highlands), she is now out near the oaks with a few horses to be moved there as soon as she can. We were ment to be moving them last Sunday but that was never going to happen!

I'll ask if she has any contacts with arabs, she works a second job as an equine dentist (she will be fully qualified in Oct) so she knows a few of the locals. Seems arabs are all the show society's want to let people show these days!

Camden is a good spot. I live in the city if I'm not at hers and I know where I'd rather wake up every morning!

[Mechan1k]

ahhhh OK ... near the stock yard down there near the bottom roundabout.

Hee hee ... we need an equine dentist at the moment ... not really need ... but one of the mares needs her front teeth done (she's dropping feed when eating).

Bec has been around arab's all her life ... although the little arabian riding ponies are all the rage and get good money for them ... also crossing Arabs with big Warmbloods is another big thing (literally). We enquired about a service fee to a Warmblood Stallion ... and they wanted $5000 ... DAMN ... I don't think so.

Although I find the Dressage Championships much better to go an see ... all good fun.

After moving out of the metro area ... I was much happier. I doubt I'll move back into the suburbs again ... I like it out where I am ... and Camden is the same as well. The Oaks is a bit further out ... but away from all it all as well .. I was looking originially around Orangeville myself for property ... but settled on Kurrajong.

[lush]

*waves* I live and work in Camden now also