Letter to the horse industry

25 August 2007

Letter to the horse industry

Re: 72 hour stock stand still for horses in SA

South Australia has sought the help of the state’s equine industry to implement a stock stand still for all horses.

The stand still aims to protect the state’s equine industry from equine influenza.

All transportation of horses should cease for the next three days.

The decision to request a 72 hour stock stand still was made by Australia’s Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases …

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.

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

Please do not move horses at all from the property of origin during this period – 1pm 25 August to midday 28 August 2007.

We need to be sure that the disease has not and does not enter the state and this means all horse movements should be stopped during this period.

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 not yet confirmed the illness is equine influenza.

People wanting more information should contact the Equine Influenza Information Line – 1800 234 002.

The stock stand still applies to:

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

Pony clubs, trail rides, organised events, agricultural shows, etc.

Background:

Suspected equine influenza in NSW this week.

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

Equine influenza has not previously affected humans.

A stock standstill 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

Some movement of horses in transit will be allowed to continue if they have 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 four hours
  • Completed with no other 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.

It is requested that information regarding any horses that have come into South Australia during August be reported to the emergency animal health hotline

1 800 675 888.

Horses already in transit to South Australia from other states will be asked to turn around and return …. if they have not entered South Australia.

Horses in transit from interstate that have entered the state will be asked to stop and remain at a suitable location (ie, with no other horses, etc)

Duration of the stock stand still:

1pm Saturday 25 August 2007 to 1pm Wednesday 28 August 2007.

Symptoms:

All horse owners should keep a close watch on their animals and report any signs of fever, coughing and respiratory symptoms. Report symptoms to your local veterinary surgeon. If you do not have a vet, please report the symptoms to emergency animal disease hotline 1 800 675 888.

Yours sincerely

Dr Rob Rahaley

Chief Veterinary Officer

South Australia