72 Hour Stock Stand Still For Horses In SA

News Release

Saturday, 25 August 2007

South Australia has implemented a stock stand still for all horses effective immediately.

Acting Racing Minister Paul Caica says the stand still aims to protect the state’s equine industry from equine influenza.

 
“All horse owners are urged not to move their horses for the next three days,” he said.

 
“Thoroughbred racing and harness racing scheduled for today and tonight has been cancelled and the organisers of all equine sports are asked to cancel any events scheduled for the next three days,” said Mr Caica.

The decision to invoke a 72-hour stock stand still was made by Australia’s Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases.  South Australia is represented on that committee by the State’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rob Rahaley.

Dr Rob Rahaley says the stand still would cause some inconvenience but it was intended to protect the state’s valuable equine industry.

“We need to be sure that the disease has not and does not enter the state and this means all horse movements will be prohibited during this period,” he said.

“While equine influenza is suspected to have caused the illness of horses in NSW, it has been agreed that a coordinated national response is required to safeguard the industry.”

Testing has now confirmed the illness is equine influenza.

People wanting more information should contact the Equine Influenza Information Line on

1800 234 002.

 
The stock stand still applies to:

Any movement of horses (this includes donkeys and mules).

This includes pony clubs, trail rides, organised events, etc.

 
Background:

Equine influenza detected in NSW this week.

Equine influenza is highly contagious – and can be spread in the air, in droppings, shared equipment, etc.

Equine influenza does not affect humans.

A stock standstill declared nationally today (25.8.07) – preventing the movement of all horses.

The stock stand still is in effect for 72 hours

Equine influenza has never occurred in Australia