Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, today thanked each and every one of the State’s 100,000 plus horse owners for their continued support for control and eradication of equine influenza (EI).
“All horses in NSW are equally susceptible to this explosively contagious disease and every horse is equally valuable to its owner,” Minister Macdonald said.
“That is why I today extend a personal thanks to every horse owner in NSW affected by the current horse flu crisis.
“This is an unprecedented situation and over the last five weeks, hundreds of people have been working overtime to stop the spread of disease and I am fully aware of the disruption and economic loss it is causing.”
Minister Macdonald said there were an estimated 350,000 horses in NSW and 80 per cent of these were not associated with racing.
“Horses used for recreational purposes, including for children’s ponies and competing at rodeos, is synonymous with the outback and Australia’s unique rural way of life,” he said.
“The scene of the stockman moving cattle on his horse is quintessentially Australian.”
Minster Macdonald acknowledged the Australian Horse Industry Council and the Equestrian Federation of Australia for their representations on behalf of all horse owners and support for the NSW DPI.
“The best way of attacking this exotic disease is with a united front and eradication will benefit all horses owners, businesses and communities,” he said.
“I encourage all horse owners, riders and trainers to remain focussed on the ultimate goal of eradication for the future of our diverse horses industries.”
In NSW there are currently 3301 infected properties and 29,699 horses infected with EI.