People can carry the virus from one horse to another.
Horses can be infected through contact with the virus from human hands and clothing.
If you have contact with horses there are a couple of important things you should do to prevent infecting more horses.
Make sure you change all clothing, shower and wash your hair.
Clothes should be washed in warm or hot soapy water.
EI is readily destroyed by detergents and soaps.
Do not transfer any equipment between horses apart from your own horses, including. halters, bridles, twitches, saddles, horse floats and trucks.
The virus is fragile and exposure to the sun for at least a week plus disinfection will make them safe.
Disinfection requires cleaning of surface dirt followed disinfectant applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your horse develops any flu-like signs call the NSW EQUINE INFLUENZA HOTLINE 1800 675 888.
Transmission of EI to humans exposed to EI has not been reported during outbreaks of the disease in horses.
KEY CONTACTS
Public help hotline: 1800 675 888
Donation line: (02) 4640 6560
More information: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza