Horse Stock Stand Still To Continue In South Australia

Monday, 27 August 2007

The stock stand still affecting all horses in South Australia will continue until 12.30pm Friday 31st August 2007.

Acting Premier Kevin Foley said the decision has been made to ensure that South Australia continues to remain free of equine influenza.

“The prohibition on horse movements would be reviewed progressively during the week,” Mr Foley said

“We hope that it won’t be necessary to further extend the ban on horse movements but this will depend very much on whether the situation changes interstate or here in South Australia.

“South Australia is currently free of equine influenza and it is important that we do everything possible to retain that status.”

Racing Minister Michael Wright said, “I am pleased with the response by all involved in the Racing Industry. This is a very serious issue for the Industry and we remain confident that the action that was taken over the weekend has served to limit the spread of the virus”.

The decision to extend the ban on all horse movements was made today during a meeting of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases.

South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Rob Rahaley represents the state on that body.

“The ban will affect mid week race meetings and any other organised equestrian events or equestrian gatherings/training sessions,” Dr Rahaley said

“It also means that all (leisure) horses owners must not move their horses.

“However, we will work with the racing industry with a view to re-establishing race meetings at the earliest opportunity possible with only South Australian horses participating.

“Other major events planned for this weekend may be impacted by movement bans in place in NSW and Queensland. PIRSA will be working with event organisers to assist where we can.

“It might also be possible to allow some training of race horses to resume following a thorough risk assessment.

“At centres such as Globe Derby, most of the animals are located at or very near the facility and it may be possible to provide permits for training of those animals.” Dr Rahaley said.

However, all other movements will be banned until Friday 29August unless a permit is sought from PIRSA Animal Health.

People wanting more information should contact the Equine Influenza Information line on 1800 234 002.

People requiring permits should contact PIRSA Animal Health on 1800 675 888.

The stock stand still applies to:

Any movement of horses (donkeys, mules, etc)

This includes pony clubs, leisure rides, organised events, etc

Background:

Equine influenza detected in NSW last week

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

Equine influenza does not affect humans