Equine influenza - changes from today

Friday 1 February 2008

Changes to the strict requirements in place to protect South Australia’s horse industry will be relaxed from today (Feb 1 2008), reflecting the increasing confidence interstate that equine influenza might be eradicated in the next month or two.

The changes aim to facilitate recovery of the state’s horse industry and include:

  • Moving from a permit system for events to a registration system (all gatherings of more than 10 horses from two or more properties)
  • Freeing up horse movements between the green zones of New South Wales and Queensland into South Australia (allowed under permit with a relaxation of pre-entry and post arrival requirements)

Organisers must register events with PIRSA and people attending events must complete and hand in an Event Participant Declaration (EPD) or a Horse Health Statement (HHS) if travelling from interstate on arrival at the venue.

Appropriate biosecurity measures will still be required at all events.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley said that it was pleasing to be able to relax requirements but warned that it was important for horse owner to remain vigilant.

“It’s about five weeks since a new case of EI in either New South Wales or Queensland, but the risk now is thinking there is no risk and we can’t afford for that to happen when we’re so close to becoming EI free.”

Dr Rahaley said that the new requirements for event organisers and horse owners were a balance that provided greater scope for events and horse movements to resume but which maintained a reasonable level of biosecurity.

“I am confident we have the mix right and if everyone plays their part in the next month or so, we will be able to further relax the requirements. Of course, any change will be dependent on continued success in eradication of the disease interstate.”

A number of community briefings are being arranged to provide more detailed information to horse owners about the changes and recovering from EI. Details of the meetings are on the PIRSA web site and will be advertised in regional print media.

More information:

  • PIRSA website – www.pir.sa.gov.au/horseflu
  • PIRSA hotline – 1800 675 888
  • Equestrian clubs and associations
  • Horse SA 0402 488 306