Horse industry to self-regulate

Friday, 7 March 2008

SA’s Australia’s horse industry will be asked to keep a voluntary register of all gatherings and the contact details of the horse owners attending those events as the national response to equine influenza enters its final stages.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Rory McEwen said today move would include events sanctioned by official bodies such as dressage, agricultural shows and eventing, as well as recreational activities including beach, forest or trail rides.

“Extensive surveillance interstate gives us confidence that the virus is no longer present in New South Wales or Queensland,” Mr McEwen said.

“However, we won’t be able to confirm that Australia has completely eradicated EI until June this year which means that we need to keep details of horse events and horse movements until then.”

“I am comfortable with further relaxation of the requirements regarding horse events in South Australia, but I am urging all horse owners to continue working with PIRSA until we can declare that the disease has been eradicated,” Mr McEwen said.

Horse organisations and representatives including Horse SA, the Equestrian Federation of Australia (SA), Riding for the Disabled, Australian International Three Day Event SA County Shows Associations, SA Thoroughbred Breeders, Oakbank Racing Club, Pony Club Association of SA, Harness Racing SA, Polocrosse Association of SA, were briefed ahead of the changes and agreed to support them.

From 7 March 2008:

  • Event organisers should register all events  – to register visit the Horse SA website – www.horsesa.asn.au
  • Event organisers should keep a record of the names and contact details of people participating in the activities (Event Participant Declarations no longer required).  These records should be retained for at least seven weeks
  • Horse Health Statements or permits will still be required for animals being brought into SA from New South Wales and Queensland (depending on where the animals are located)
  • There will be no paperwork needed for movements between South Australia and Victoria, Western Australia or the Northern Territory.
More information:
  • PIRSA website – www.pir.sa.gov.au/horseflu
  • PIRSA hotline – 1800 675 888
  • Horse clubs and associations
  • Horse SA 0402 488 306