More horse flu community meetings

Monday 5 November, 2007

Horse SA and Primary Industries and Resources SA have arranged more horse flu community meetings for November.

The meetings will provide an update on the national situation, an overview of activities in South Australia and information on biosecurity.

PIRSA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley said the meetings were an ideal forum to provide current information about the management of the disease and plans for the future.

“The situation interstate is progressing well; the nationally agreed containment and eradication plan is working,” he said. “That is good news for us … because the lower the incidence of disease interstate, the less risk to South Australia, but we must remain vigilant and not drop our guard.

“We are working closely with the horse industry to develop plans for resuming equestrian activities in the New Year, as long as there are no outbreaks of equine influenza in the non affected states.”

Horse SA Executive Officer Julie Fiedler said that as well as the situational update, speakers would also focus on biosecurity to help people understand how to apply this to their event. “Biosecurity could include keeping a register of all horses and competitors, ensuring no interstate horses compete at SA events, keeping spectators away from horses and competitors; it’s simply identifying threats and mitigating potential risks,” she said.

Horse SA will also provide an update on workshops to help equestrian organisations prepare for a possible resumption of activities in 2008.

Where When Time
Clare Golf Club 8 November 7:00pm
Williamstown Memorial Hall 20 November 6:30pm
McLaren Vale RSL Club 22 November 6:30pm
Echunga Memorial Institute 23 November 6:30pm
Gawler Community Sports Centre 28 November 7:30pm
Victor Harbor RSL Club 4 December 7:30pm


People wanting more information about horse flu and equestrian activities in SA can contact:

  • PIRSA website – www.pir.sa.gov.au
  • PIRSA hotline – 1800 675 888
  • Their equestrian clubs and associations
  • Horse SA - 0402 488 306