Horse Flu Public Meeting - Mt Gambier

Wednesday 5 September 2007

A public meeting to discuss horse flu will be held at Mt Gambier Community RSL Club Sturt Street on Thursday 6 September starting at 7:00pm.

Everyone involved in the horse industry is invited to attend, according to South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley.

“The aim is to provide an overview of the current situation interstate and how this impacts on South Australia, the decisions that have been made and why and allow people to ask questions,” he said.

“We are currently asking people in the industry to cancel or postpone events if they can to ensure that SA remains free of horse flu.

“While we don’t have horse flu in this state we remain on high alert.”

Horse SA Executive Officer Julie Fiedler said while there had been no cases of equine influenza in South Australia, limiting horse movements was a sensible move.

“We need to keep the level of awareness high among horse owners and direct information is the best way,” she said.

Dr Rahaley said he understood that many clubs and individuals were keen to resume their respective equestrian activities.

“However, those organisations or individual organising gatherings under permit will need to consider the possible implications of a horse becoming infected with horse flu on site and whether or not they are prepared for a lock down that could last several months.

“It’s really about short-term pain for long term gain if we can continue to keep horse flu out of South Australia.”

Information about horse flu is on PIRSA’s web site - www.pir.sa.gov.au/horseflu

People wanting permits should contact PIRSA’s Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.