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Public meetings about horse flu

Thursday 4 October, 2007

PIRSA and Horse SA are keen to ensure that horse owners across South Australia understand the implications of the current horse flu outbreak interstate.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rob Rahaley said another round of public meetings would be held to provide information to horse owners.

“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 to allow people to ask questions,” he said.

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

Dr Rahaley said that PIRSA would continue to monitor the situation closely and, if anything changed, would advise the industry accordingly.

“We also want people to continue to be vigilant and to check their horses regularly for runny noses, lethargy, coughing and high temperatures and to report such symptoms to PIRSA’s hotline 1800 675 888,” Dr Rahaley said.

Testing of horses with suspicious symptoms is done at no cost to the owner providing the procedures have been authorised by PIRSA.

Meetings organised to date include (All are evening Sessions starting at 7pm):

Mt Gambier
 5  October
 Commodore Motel
Kingscote
 8  October
 Ozone Hotel
Gawler
 12 October
 Gawler Sport and Community Centre
Oakbank
 15 October
 Oakbank High School
Strathalbyn
 17 October Town Hall
Kadina
 19 October Copper Coast Leisure Centre
Pt Lincoln
 24 October Pt Lincoln Racing Club
Wudinna
 25 October Wudinna Community Club

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

Media contact: Kaye Noske 0401 121 444