SA horse owners urged to remain vigilant

Monday 24 September, 2007

South Australian horse owners have been urged to remain vigilant; checking their horses regularly and reporting symptoms of horse flu.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rob Rahaley, said that it was important that horse owners understood the key role they play in helping keep the state free of the virus.

“It is critical that we keep horse flu out of SA and a key part of our defence is monitoring the health of the state’s horse population,” Dr Rahaley said.

“Horse owners who identify animals with running noses, high temperatures or general lethargy should report the symptoms to PIRSA.”

Dr Rahaley said that if the symptoms reported to PIRSA required following up, the agency would pay for the tests.

Horse owners with sick animals are urged to ring the PIRSA hotline 1800 675 888.

Vaccine has been made available to horses in New South Wales and Queensland to help eradicate the disease. Horses to compete in Victoria’s spring racing carnival and a number of high value animals including some destined for the Olympics will also be vaccinated.

“The vaccine will be a useful tool to help contain and then stamp out the disease interstate but for South Australia and all unaffected states, the best solution is to remain free of the virus,” Dr Rahaley said.

“Vaccine supplies are limited and our primary objective is control and eradication of the disease in NSW and Queensland.”

Horses vaccinated interstate will not be allowed into South Australia until further notice due to the difficulty the vaccine creates in masking flu symptoms.

Dr Rahaley said the best approach for South Australia was to continue to be vigilant; to monitor animals; to report symptoms and to reduce human contact with animals, particularly people who have recently visited from NSW and Queensland.

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

  • PIRSA website – www.pir.sa.gov.au
  • Horse SA 0402 488306
  • Their equestrian clubs and associations