Bioscurity Guidelines for Equine Riding Instructors

Please note that these notes which were prepared by the Vic DPI were circulated by AHIC nationally yesterday as a reminder to all interstate instructors who may be involved in or contemplating coaching in VICTORIA and should not be confused with the STANDSTILL orders in NSW & QLD.    Please check your own State's policy  by visiting your local DPI website, calling the hotline or visiting www.outbreak.gov.au

NSW Update: Authorities up the ante on horse flu

Over 200 personnel are working throughout NSW as part of ongoing efforts to manage the Equine Influenza (EI) outbreak, Chief Veterinary Officer Bruce Christie said today.

‘’We are strongly committed to eradicating this virus and have many people tirelessly working both at the coal face and behind the scenes,’’ Mr Christie said.

‘’Everything possible is being done to protect horse owners and their animals and ultimately to beat this outbreak.

‘’While we expect the number of positive tests for EI to continue to rise in coming days,  the comprehensive tracing systems we have in place allow us to accurately monitor and anticipate where the spread will go and establish restricted areas quickly.

“Our main message remains the same: adhere to the horse standstill across the State and report sick horses as soon as possible.”

More than 4,600 horses on 410 properties have now contracted the horse flu since it was first confirmed on 25 August. There are now 24 Restricted Areas (RA).

About 110 staff are currently working with affected people out of the Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) at Menangle, while another team are working from the State Disease Control Centre (SDCHQ), which has been set up at DPI’s head office at Orange.

In addition, personnel are operating from five Forward Command Posts at Gosford, Parkes, Richmond, Scone and Tamworth to help manage the outbreak and reinforce communications in key areas.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is being supported in their efforts by a range of organisations including; NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Police, NSW Health, Forests NSW, Rural Lands Protection Board, State Emergency Services, Animal Health Australia, Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, the Western Australia Department of Agriculture and other state and Commonwealth personnel.

Key Contacts: NSW Equine Influenza and donation hotline: 1800 675 888