There has been a lot of work done by everyone to contain EI in NSW & Qld and we can gain some comfort in knowing that the containment is working and that the number of horses and areas affected by EI is a relatively small percentage of our horse population.   It is important that these containment zones remain in tact and that we remain vigilent in keeping the rest of the country free from EI.   The talk about doubts that the disease can be controlled and eradicated only serves to undermine efforts of all concerned in the eradication effort and we must not let this deter us from continuing the fight to free our country of this disease.

It is important that the Minister for Agriculture, Hon Peter McGauran is aware of our determination to ensure the welfare of our horses into the future, and we urge you to contact the Minister and let him know that we are serious in our support for the eradication of EI in Australia.

The contact details for Min McGauran are :

Hon Peter McGauran,

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

PO Box 6022

Parliament House

Canberra ACT 2600

Tel: (02) 6277 7520

Fax: (02) 6273 4120

Email: Peter.McGauran.MP@aph.gov.au

Barry Smyth

President

AHIC