PIRSA requests that equestrian events be cancelled or postponed until further notice.If it is not possible to do so, then club organisers must obtain permits to hold events where ten or more horses are expected to attend from two or more properties. (and disperse again)The PIRSA website www.pir.sa.gov.au is being updated today to include new permit information.
For general information about equine influenza and horse movements, contact PIRSA Animal Health on 1800 675 888.
An INFORMATION SESSION is scheduled tonight at Globe Derby, Jubilee Room, for harness racing trainers and breeders.
Another INFORMATION SESSION is planned for Leigh Creek next week (potentially Monday), further info as available. Please advise station owners, Indigenous Communinity leaders etc of this session.
Over 100,000 bookmarks with "Do and Dont" messages have been printed. It is important to get these out to all horse owners, they are available at Bonnetts, HorseLand and at the information sessions, through Pony Club, EFA and Racing Codes. If anyone runs out, please ring Julie Mob 0402 5488 306 an electronic one is available on the PIRSA or Horse SA website.
DPI NSW website (www.dpi.nsw.gov.au) gives updates, including a map of the outbreak area and has a video online of what EI looks like.
DPI Victoria has put online a document showing the risks to that state from introduction of EI, much of the information provided would apply to SA. www.dpi.vic.gov.au. The document is called Equine Influenza and the Risk to Victoria
General information about equine influenza, contact the National Equine Influenza Information Line on 1800 234 002 (8am – 8pm daily).
Other updates
1. Horse Properties can be registered with PIRSA, which will assist greatly in planning for potential disease outbreaks in SA, and will make it easy for PIRSA to contact you if there is a threat to your property. This can be done through ringing 1800 654 688
2. Keep an eye out for a national advertising campaign related to Equine Flu, with full page adverts to appear in all regional newspapers over the coming week. It is a great idea to cut these out and pin up on shop windows and other public places, so the "every day person" can help keep the flu out of SA.
3. Join Horse SA! Horse SA is a not for profit organisation, working for all horse owners in SA, regardless of the sector or interest. Join online at www.horsesa.asn.au or ph Julie 0402 488 306. Two vouchers for Nungar Bushmans Outfitters and Bonnetts Saddleworld for clubs or persons who join or re-join before Dec 14th.
4. The role of Horse SA during this outbreak is that of "Industry Liasion Officer" as outlined in AUSVETPLAN, which can be downloaded from www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au
5. CENTRELINK has now activated payments for persons who have lost employment/income through the equine flu. Visit www.centrelink.gov.au and click onto the Horse or Ph CENTRELINK Equine Influenza Hotline on 1800 234 002. Even for those in SA, it is worthwhile seeing if you are eligible in your circumstances for individual or small businesses. A link will be placed on the Horse SA homepage.
*** Please note that the disease status will remain high in NSW & QLD for at least another 12 weeks. While these states have the disease, SA will be on "high alert"
Updated PIRSA website (www.pir.sa.gov.au) contains ...
Application Forms
Application for a permit to introduce equine equipment into South Australia
..............Special notice
Eight horses are currently grazing illegally on SA Water Land on Little Para River.
These horses need to be removed from SA Water property permanently as soon as possible. (This week)
These horses are hindering and interfering with SA Water operational requirements also they are on SA Water property without authorisation.
A map of the horse location and who to contact has been uploaded to www.horsesa.asn.au
Please pass on this message to anyone who may know the owner/s of the horses.
Julie Fiedler
Executive Officer
Horse SA