Alerts
July 08, 2010 - Equine Herpes Alert in Tas
Dr Rod Andrewartha
Chief Veterinary Officer Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment
Thursday, 8 July 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 Vigilance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tasmania's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Rod Andrewartha, is reminding the owners of pregnant mares to be vigilant for signs of disease in their horses and take appropriate precautions not to introduce disease.
This follows a recent case of EHV1 diagnosed in horses on a property in the north of the state.
“EHV1 is a viral disease that can cause neurological signs and abortions in pregnant mares, and in some cases it can cause a number of mares in an affected mob to abort,” Dr Andrewartha said.
“In the current case some of the affected mares were showing ataxia: that is they are unsteady when they walk and have their feet wide apart, before the abortions were seen.
“If you see ataxia or abortions in your horses, isolate the horses from other horses and contact your veterinarian.
“If it will be some time before the vet can get there, collect the aborted foetus in a strong plastic bag and put it somewhere cool so the vet can check it and take samples if necessary.
“Use gloves and wash your hands after handling the foetus.
“Horses infected with EHV1 usually remain latently infected for life. The virus will remain dormant but disease can be triggered by a combination of pregnancy and stress and may cause abortions.
“The disease may also be caused by introducing an infected mare into a group of previously unaffected mares.
“To help prevent this and other diseases, don't introduce new horses into groups of pregnant mares and avoid unnecessary stress on pregnant mares.
“Your vet can advise you on preventative measures you can take to minimise the risk of EHV1 abortions in the future,” Dr Andrewartha said.
EHV1 is seen occasionally in Tasmania and is a notifiable disease, so cases must be reported to DPIPWE.
Report any notifiable animal disease on the all-hours Emergency Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.
Your veterinarian should be consulted as a matter of urgency if you suspect EHV1 infection on your property so a management plan can be initiated as soon as possible to limit losses.
For more information and to download a fact sheet on EHV1, visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au and type Horse Welfare and Diseases into the search engine.
July 01, 2010 - PIC's Compulsory for Vic Horse owners from July 2010
As from 1 July 2010, it will be compulsory for all Viftorian horse owners to have a Property Identification Code identifying the properties where they keep their horses.June 15, 2010 - NEW WEBSITE "HORSE OWNERS AND EADRA"
AHA has launched a new webpage with information for horse owners on EADRA. To keep up to date with current discussions, go to :
June 09, 2010 - NEW FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR HENDRA
Biosecurity Qld announces New funding for Hendra virus research
The Bligh Government has announced a $1.5 million investment over 3 years in the 2010-11 State Budget for the establishment of a new Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases (QCEID) to continue the fight against Hendra virus.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries, Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said that with the closure of the Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre at the end of June, the Government has acted to ensure that the potentially-lifesaving research can continue.
"As we have seen recently, Hendra virus cases in horses and people occur primarily in Queensland, which is why Queensland is at the forefront of research into how best to combat the disease," Mr Mulherin said.
"Biosecurity Queensland has world recognised experts in flying fox and emerging disease ecology and epidemiology.
"The new funding will allow this important work to be expanded.
"With the establishment of QCEID, Queensland will be positioned as a national and international leader in the field of emerging infectious diseases.
"This research is critical in terms of finding answers to the question of why horses contract Hendra virus and how to prevent this happening.
"This research accompanies the Bligh Government's ongoing community engagement program promoting Hendra awareness, precautions and preparedness for those in contact with horses.
"The new $1.5 million in funding to establish QCEID will augment the government's existing investment of $1.5 million from Queensland Health and $1 million from Biosecurity Queensland, over the next three years to establish the Centre at the soon to be opened $100 million Health and Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plains," he said.
Mr Mulherin said Biosecurity Queensland is recognised as a world leader in the research and understanding of Hendra and related viruses and their behaviour in the flying fox host.
"Biosecurity Queensland scientists are actively involved in cutting edge research into the virus, its hosts and its behaviour," he said.
"We already have a significant degree of understanding about Hendra virus.
"This information is invaluable in implementing simple protective measures to minimise the risk of infection in humans.
"We have already spent over $3.8 million on Hendra-related research.
"Current research projects include a study of bat-virus interactions to better understand the virus and the disease it causes by using infra-red, time lapse photography to capture night-time interactions between horses and nocturnal wildlife species.
"There is also a project proposal to identify Hendra virus strain diversity in Australian flying foxes.
"A focus will also be placed on social research to better understand the attitudes of horse owners to Hendra virus.
"The Bligh Government also committed $300,000 last month; to be matched by the Australian Government, to allow the Australian Animal Health Laboratory to test the effectiveness of newly developed Hendra vaccines in horses.
"This is an investment in the safety of Queenslanders and the sustainability of horse-related industries."
Biosecurity Qld
June 08, 2010 - Your chance to comment on EADRA and a Levy Mechanism
May 05, 2010 - Horse Industry Levy Mechanism
April 30, 2010 - Influx of bats into Victoria
Victoria is experiencing a huge influx of bats. Horse owners should be on the lookout for Hendra virus infections. Bat colonies are being found in areas they have never been before.April 29, 2010 - Official response from Tony Burke re EI vacc and EADRA
The attached letter was received from Tony Burke today confirming the situation regarding the necessity for the horse industry to sign EADRA.April 24, 2010 - PIMC says not to Voluntary EI Vaccination............so long as .............
The Primary Industries Ministers Council agreed, at their meeting in Darwin today, that maintenance of Australia's strong cooperative approach to biosecurity was vital to effective responses to any future incursions of exotic pests and diseases.
Ministers agreed to the need to establish by 1 December 2010 horse industry commitment to a national levy and to inclusion of the industry under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement.
In the absence of any funding agreement, Ministers agreed that there would be no nationally cost shared response to any exotic horse disease incursion and steps would be put in place to enable voluntary vaccination of horses against Equine Influenza as a disease impact mitigation strategy.
Should the horse industry come forward with the necessary agreements, the Commonwealth Government will commit to introduce legislation accordingly.
Council members agreed to work with horse industry organisations in all jurisdictions and members of the Australian Parliaments to ensure broad support for timely progression of the funding legislation.
April 22, 2010 - ARB tells PIMC they support an EADRA
April 21, 2010 - Say No to Voluntary Ei Vaccination
If there was ever a time that every horse, pony person should come together for the welfare of our equine here in Australia - this is it!
Please forward on this web address to everyone you know, no matter what discipline or part of the equine industry ...
www.SayNotoVoluntaryEIVaccination.com
This is our last chance to SAY NO to voluntary EI vaccination - vote NO now
There is scientific evidence to support the view that voluntary vaccination will lead to Equine Influenza being re-introduced to Australia. Not only will we have wasted millions of dollars to eradicate it but will adversely affect the health of our horses, our industries and our pockets.
Please pass on the web address to all: www.SayNotoVoluntaryEIVaccination.com
show our strength... we have the numbers..... stand up and be noticed!!
we only have another week before the decision is made at the Primary Industries Ministerial Council meeting on the 23rd April in Darwin so please pass it on!
AHIC's Position : No EI Disease - No Vaccination
Background
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) has a policy that Equine Influenza (EI) vaccination should not be permitted in the absence of an incursion of EI virus. The recent meeting of AHIC's Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) held on the 26th February unanimously endorsed the AHIC Board's policy.
For the full story and further updates go to Alerts and if you agree with our position, please contact ALL of the Dept of Agriculture Ministers, and Shadow Ministers, as a matter of urgency. Follow the link for Minister's contact details.
April 21, 2010 - INTERVIEW WITH TONY BURKE ON EI VACCINATION by Anne Delaney From the Horses Mouth
This interview sums up the whole situation very well.
From the Horse's Mouth
21/04/2010 , 1:55 PM by Anne DELANEY
http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/2010/04/from-the-horses-mouth.html
Audio link to an interview with Burke!
http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/2010/04/from-the-horses-mouth.html
April 15, 2010 - CONTACTS FOR MINISTERS & SHADOW MINISTERS OF AG.
April 07, 2010 - Help say NO to EI Vaccination
Feel free to use the attached information to help you pen a letter to the pollies against ongoing EI vaccination.
The list of addresses for the various politicians are also attached.
http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_Upload/Files/Equine%20Influenza%20notes%20April%202010.doc
http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_Upload/Files/Say%20No%20to%20Ministers%20for%20EI%20Vaccination.doc
http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_Upload/Files/Say%20No%20to%20Mr%20Burke%20for%20EI%20Vaccination.doc
March 26, 2010 - Horse SA Questions Timing on Voluntary Horse Flu Vacc Announcement
Horse SA Questions Timing of Voluntary Horse Flu Vaccination Announcement
Read full story http://newsmaker.com.au/news/3003
March 25, 2010 - AHIC's Position : No EI Disease - No Vaccination
AHIC's Position : No EI Disease - No Vaccination
Background
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) has a policy that Equine Influenza (EI) vaccination should not be permitted in the absence of an incursion of EI virus. The recent meeting of AHIC's Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) held on the 26th February unanimously endorsed the AHIC Board's policy. Present at this meeting were representatives from :
• Arabian Horse Society
• Australian Pony Stud Book Society
• Australian Stock Horse Society
• Equestrian Australia
• Harness Racing Australia
• HorseSA
• National Campdraft Council of Aust
• Polocrosse Association of Australia Inc
• Pony Club Australia (observer)
• Queensland Horse Council
• Riding Pony Society of Australia
• Victorian Horse Council Inc.
• Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Australia Inc
• Western Australia Horse Council
In recent months Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) have been promoting vaccination of thoroughbreds (TB's) as our “insurance policy” against a new EI incursion in the absence of an Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) and its associated levy mechanism. The levy enabling legislation was defeated in the Senate in February 2009.
On the 9th February 2010 an EI Industry Workshop was held by DAFF to discuss a “Scenario 5” which was a supplement to the soundly reviewed Scenarios 1 - 4 that were evaluated in the Report of the Equine Influenza Expert review Panel. Scenario 5 was based on 80% of TB's and Standardbreds (SB's) being vaccinated as insurance against an EI incursion which was a 1 in 30 year event.
AHIC is also concerned that the Report of the Equine Influenza Expert Review Panel and the even more secret “Scenario 5” were given a very restricted distribution for comment. Many of those with expert knowledge and with integral roles in the day to day management of the horse industry were not given an opportunity to respond. It was only after some pressure that AHIC was given permission to involve its Industry Advisory Committee which was difficult, given the time constraints over the holiday period.
Perhaps even more surprising was the failure to consult with AQIS's Horse Industry Consultative Committee, which is all about importation of horses in an appropriate manner.
The Callinan Inquiry and the Beale Report recommended improvements to the quarantine process and Prof Shergold in his 3 reports has confirmed the satisfactory implementation of the improvements. This new high standard of biosecurity means that the risk of EI entering Australia via another quarantine failure is minimal.
Proper management of the importation of horses will prevent an EI incursion.
Why not vaccinate in addition as the TB industry is seeking to do?
Vaccination, if a vaccine was available, is expensive with Scenario 5 being costed at between $348M and $609M over 20 years, depending on the timing of the incursion and the spread of vaccination.
Vaccination of TB's will not prevent these horses from becoming infected although the clinical signs will be limited or not even recognized. This may lead to transmission of the EI virus to the naïve non-vaccinated population either directly (horse to horse) or indirectly (contaminated person or vehicle etc.).
Vaccination in its own right is not without some morbidity and if newly vaccinated horses are not managed appropriately clinical problems may arise.
In Scenario 5 passive monitoring of the vaccinated population is practiced which means normal husbandry procedures continue at no cost. To ensure that there is early recognition of an EI incursion into the vaccinated TB population active surveillance is required and this is expensive.
In order that active surveillance can be implemented a company would need to go through the regulatory (OGTR) and registration (APVMA) processes to bring an appropriate vaccine into Australia. An appropriate vaccine is one such as Proteq-Flu which will allow the differentiation between horses that have been vaccinated from those which have been but vaccinated but also become infected. The AHIC does not support short circuiting of the normal practices required for long registration in the absence of any EI incursion.
Vaccination may impact on Australia's current status of “Freedom from EI” especially without active surveillance.
*Vaccination will impact on the movement of horses to New Zealand with a predicted quarantine cost of $6,300 per horse compared with the current cost of $0. This will affect sales of horses to New Zealand and it will also reduce the number of racing and equestrian horses coming to Australia for competition.
Any vaccination policy in the absence of disease will increase the risk of EI becoming endemic with ongoing disruption of horse events and dramatic increase in costs of vaccination becomes widely used.
IF YOU AGREE WRITE TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURES OF EACH STATE AND MINISTER BURKE URGENTLY.
March 25, 2010 - Vaccination Is Bad News For Harness Racing
Harness Racing Australia (HRA) is deeply concerned at reports that the Minister for Agriculture, Tony Burke, will advocate for voluntary vaccination of horses from Equine Influenza.
Read the full story at : http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=13576
March 25, 2010 - EI Policy Creates Divisions by Bill Saunders
http://equestrian.cyberhorse.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7012:ei-policy-creates-divisions&catid=3:feature-newsDecember 17, 2009 - IMPORTANT LINKS ON HENDRA
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE HORSE INDUSTRY: HENDRA VIRUS
It is important that all sectors of the horse industry understand the risks posed by Hendra virus. Hendra virus is carried by fruit bats, and may cause fever, respiratory and/or nervous illness when it infects horses. While horses rarely become infected, infected horses may infect humans, and the disease has severe consequences. It is usually fatal in horses, and four of the seven people known to have become infected have died, despite intensive therapy in hospital.
Minimise the risk to yourself and your horse by:
• preventing horses from eating or drinking feed or water that may be contaminated by body fluids from fruit bats roosting, feeding or flying overhead and
• knowing the signs of Hendra and what to do if you suspect infection.
The following links provide information on Hendra virus that will assist you to understand the disease and how to minimise the risk of infection. I&I NSW strongly recommends that you pass this information on to your members and industry contacts and/or staff who may handle horses.
A Primefact on Hendra virus is available on the NSW DPI website at
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/hendra-virus
CSIRO, the organisation responsible for identifying the virus has published summary information at
http://www.csiro.au/science/Hendra-Virus.html
The Queensland Government Primary Industries and Fisheries website provides comprehensive information on Hendra virus
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/27_2900_ENA_HTML.htm
What is Hendra virus? (includes reducing the risk to horses)
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_15093_ENA_HTML.htm
Hendra virus overview http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_11127_ENA_HTML.htm
Flying foxes and Hendra virus http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_15094_ENA_HTML.htm
Signs of infection in humans
A detailed article from the Australian Biosecurity CRC
This list is to assist you to find information on Hendra virus. Additional information may also be found at other sites.
For further information or if you suspect a horse may be infected with Hendra virus please contact:
• your private veterinary practitioner, or
• your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority at http://www.lhpa.org.au/contact or
• the Primary Industries division of Industry and Investment NSW at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/about/contact
• If one of the above cannot be contacted and the matter is urgent, please call the
Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888
For further information or assistance relating to human health please contact:
• your local doctor or nearest Public Health Unit at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/Infectious/phus.asp
December 04, 2009 - Defra/AHT/BEVA equine quarterly disease surveillance report
The latest Defra/AHT/BEVA equine quarterly disease surveillance report covering the period July to Septmber 2009 has now been uploaded onto the AHT website and is now accessible via the following address http://www.aht.org.uk/pdf/equine_vol5_3.pdf
All reports produced to date are available online at http://www.aht.org.uk/equine_disease.html and can also be accessed via the Animal Health Trust's home page by clicking on the Equine Disease Surveillance logo in the bottom left-hand corner of the page (http://www.aht.org.uk/).
If you would like to receive these reports, you can register at http://www.aht.org.uk/equine_disease_registration.html
December 01, 2009 - ARE YOU BUSHFIRE READY??
ARE YOU READY FOR THE BUSHFIRE SEASON?
AHIC has prepared the attached flyer to assist you in deciding whether or not you are "bushfire ready".
http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_Upload/Files/Bushfire%20Advice2.pdf
December 01, 2009 - FEI DELAYS IMPLEMENTATION OF BUTE RULE
The FEI Bureau has delayed the implementation of the 'progressive list' until 05 April 2010 to allow for further debate and consultation on the use of NSAIDs.
For further information on the list of banned substances, go to the Equestrian Australia website at http://www.equestrian.org.au/
November 10, 2009 - HORSESAFE CODE OF PRACTICE
AHIC has revised the Code of Practice, HorseSafe.
This new version was compiled by AHIC's sub committee, using feedback received since its original release in 2003, along with AHIC member organisations' comment on draft changes. Interested parties were given further opportunities to comment on the draft revised version when it was posted on the website in 2009.
HorseSafe is a 'living' document, and the we invite any interested party to provide input into the next revision.
Please address any comments, suggested revisions and feedback to the AHIC office at secretary@horsecouncil.org.au or Board member, Nina Arnott, at nina@horsesafetyaustralia.com.au. Your opinion is valued, and we are happy to discuss any aspects or applications of the Code with you. You can ring the office on 03 5222 6650 or Nina on 0411 685 211."
The revised Code is available at : http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_Upload/Files/HORSESAFE%20CODE%20OF%20PRACTICE%20REVISED%20OCT%202009.PDF
November 01, 2009 - New standards for the microchipping of horses in Victoria
The Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 will be renamed to be the Domestic Animals Act 1994 The supporting Regulations will also be renamed the Domestic Animals Regulations 2005
The changes to the Regulations introduce New standards for the microchipping of horses in Victoria
The Domestic Animals Regulations 2005, previously named the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Regulations 2005, have been amended to provide standards for the microchipping of horses. The introduction of these new Regulations facilitates the amendments made in 2007 to the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 regarding standards for the microchipping of horses.
These standards have been introduced to ensure consistency in microchipping horses and to effectively enable the reunification of microchipped horses with their owners should they become displaced from the owner. The new legislation also deletes the words “feral and nuisance” from both the Act and the Regulations.
Please note that the new legislation restricts the microchipping of horses to only veterinary practitioners registered in Victoria that have completed the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Victorian Microchip Implementation Course, as required by the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Authorised implanters that have already completed this course for the purpose of microchipping cats and dogs will not need to complete the course again, however please familiarise yourself with the enclosed changes to the horse section of the original training course DVD sent to you by the AVA.
Veterinary practitioners who are not currently authorised implanters and intend to microchip horses need to apply to the AVA for authorisation. Please note that it is now an offence under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to implant a microchip into a horse without authorisation.
Changes to the legislation regarding microchipping of horses also include:
Regulation of the type of microchip to be used; Regulation of the implantation procedure (including documentation); and Record keeping procedures for licensed registries
Note that the legislation does NOT require mandatory microchipping of horses. However if a horse is microchipped it must be undertaken in accordance with the legislation.
These changes came into effect on 1st September 2009.
Any questions about the legislation can be directed to the DPI Customer Service Centre on by phoning 136 186 or by visiting the DPI website www/dpi.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare PLEASE NOTE - the updated legislation will NOT be available on the website until LATE Wednesday 2nd September.
Applications regarding the AVA microchip course can be made to the Australian Veterinary Association by calling 9600 2930 or by emailing avavic@ava.com.au.
September 23, 2009 - HENDRA VIRUS UPDATE - SEPT 23
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries
BIOSECURITY ALERT
Communiqué 13 - September 23
Hendra virus update
Bowen
Three properties remain under quarantine at Bowen. Biosecurity and movement restrictions will continue to apply until Biosecurity Queensland is completely confident there is no chance of any further Hendra virus infection.
The final samples from all horses on the three properties are planned for early October. This timing coincides with a 32 day period since the last risk exposure to Hendra virus. The results from this procedure will inform the final decision for lifting all quarantine conditions.
Cawarral
Three properties remain in quarantine at Cawarral, including the original infected property.
Decontamination procedures have been undertaken on the infected property in areas where previously infected horses had been held. This work is largely complete.
The final samples from all horses on the infected property and a neighbouring property are planned for later this week. This timing coincides with a 32 day period since the last risk exposure to Hendra virus. The results from this procedure will inform the final decision for lifting all quarantine conditions. The third property at Cawarral is in the final stages of resolution prior to lifting of all quarantine restrictions.
Community engagement
The Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries mobile office has left Bowen and returned to its base in southern Queensland. The mobile office proved to be an effective focal point for the community at Bowen and surrounds to access the latest information and advice on Hendra virus.
The Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries website continues to be updated with the latest information on Hendra virus. It is available at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/27_2900_ENA_HTML.htm
Dr Rick Symons
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer
Biosecurity Queensland
September 11, 2009 - HENDRA VIRUS SAFETY ALERT
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries
BIOSECURITY ALERT
Communiqué 11 - September 11
Hendra virus Safety Alert - Information for horse properties and other horse related businesses
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) have released a Hendra virus Safety Alert for horse property owners. The alert is now live and is available on the WHSQ website at: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/publications/alerts/hendra_virus_horse/index.htm
This Safety Alert complements a similar alert for veterinarians that was made available last week. http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/publications/alerts/hendra_virus/index.htm
The Fact Sheets complement information on Hendra virus already available on the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries site http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/27_2900_ENA_HTML.htm
I urge you to access the information at both these sites to inform yourself and others working with horses about Hendra virus.
Dr Rick Symons
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer
Biosecurity Queensland
September 10, 2009 - HENDRA GUIDELINES FOR HORSE OWNERS
The attached document has been prepared by DPI Qld to advise horse owners about Hendra Virus
Hendra Virus Guidelines.pdfSeptember 02, 2009 - NEW HORSE MICROCHIPPING LAWS IN VIC - FAQ'S
Your questions answered about the new regulations for microchipping horses in Victoria.
Follow the link to find out more about the new laws which came into place on the 1st September regarding microchipping of horses in Victoria.
August 12, 2009 - Hendra Info
Biosecurity and Quarantine
The current outbreak of Hendra virus (HeV) on a horse property in QLD emphasises again the critical importance of observation and reporting of clinical disease in horses. Recently, outbreaks of strangles on a number of properties in NSW provide additional proof of the need for all horse owners to institute biosecurity measures on their properties. This includes isolation of all new arrivals for a suitable period to prevent introduction of any disease onto the property.
Hendra virus
Research at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory after the Redlands 2008 outbreak of HeV has provided new information that must be taken into account in areas where flying foxes congregate.
All flying fox populations in Australia have the potential to carry and excrete HeV.
The new information is that horses can be infected with HeV for a couple of days before showing any clinical signs of being ill. During that time they can be excreting HeV which potentially can infect anybody who comes into contact with the infected horse. The research showed that infected horses appear normal, but have increased heart rates and body temperatures before they become ill. Thus, it is essential that horse owners take appropriate steps to prevent access by horses to all areas where flying foxes congregate.
The research has implications for horse owners or managers in other areas of Australia. Horses travel regularly from QLD and northern NSW (where HeV infections have been detected) to all parts of Australia. This means that horses from these areas must be isolated, observed and monitored closely for the first few days after arrival to ensure they remain healthy. If they are ill, then a veterinarian should be called and advised that the horse has recently arrived from an area where it is possible to have come into contact with flying foxes and HeV. This enables the veterinarian and those in contact with the horse to take appropriate precautions to prevent them becoming exposed to HeV when examining the horse and taking samples for laboratory analysis.
August 12, 2009 - Strangles Reminder from NSW DPI
NSW DPI has advised of a number of recent outbreaks of strangles on horse properties. Advice from NSW is as follows:
Strangles - take care when introducing new horses to your property
In the last few weeks there have been several cases of strangles on horse properties in NSW have occurred after a new horse arrived on the property.
A horse can appear normal, but be incubating the disease or be a source of infection. Horses can incubate strangles infection for 3 to 8 days before appearing sick. A horse that has had strangles can remain infectious for at least 4 weeks after they recover; some may remain infectious for up to 8 months. For this reason it is important to keep new horses isolated from other horses on your property for at least 2 weeks and check them daily for signs of ill-health. It is a good idea to ask the person who last cared for the horse whether the horse has been sick in the last few months, or if it has been in contact with sick horses, and get as many details as you can.
If your horse develops a fever, snotty nose or swellings under the jaw consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Remember, strangles is a notifiable disease in NSW. Further information on strangles, how to prevent it, and how to report it is available at:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health/general/strangles
August 06, 2009 - HENDRA VIRUS UPDATED INFORMATION
Following a workshop held earlier this year to examine Hendra virus research needs, it was felt that there was benefit in developing a paper that brings together the current knowledge about Hendra virus. This paper has been produced by the Australian Biosecurity CRC and is intended to provided a source of current Hendra virus information for a range of people including veterinarians, horse owners and bat and wildlife carers.
http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_Upload/Files/HENDRA%20VIRUS%20INFORMATION.PDF
July 16, 2009 - Respiratory Disease in Imported Horses in Quarantine
Respiratory disease in imported horses in quarantine
The Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Andy Carroll, has advised today that a number of imported horses of various types and backgrounds at Eastern Creek Quarantine Station have been showing signs of Equine Herpes Virus 4 (EHV-4). This is the respiratory form of the herpes virus in horses.
EHV-4 is endemic in Australia (it has been here for many years), it is not a notifiable disease and is not a quarantine concern - but is has been circulating within Eastern Creek.
Horses can be "silently" infected with herpes virus, not shed the virus and show no clinical signs in Pre Export Quarantine.
If horses are stressed, for example by international travel, the infection by EHV-4 can come back again and the horse may start shedding the virus.
All outbreaks of any infectious disease in quarantined horses must be investigated. Because these horses have respiratory signs, all the horses have been repeatedly and thoroughly tested. No horse has tested positive to Equine Influenza (EI) virus, but one horse has given a mild serological reaction to EI. This is not unusual because all the horses have been vaccinated against EI. All horses will all be tested repeatedly to make absolutely sure there is no EI circulating before they released from quarantine.
These horses are more than two weeks into their 3-week Post Arrival Quarantine (PAQ). This PAQ period will be prolonged to ensure all additional testing and other measures show the horses do not have EI, and all the experts are satisfied there is no risk.
These horses currently present no danger to Australia's domesticated horses. This incident indicates that the strengthened quarantine procedures introduced after the 2007 EI outbreak are working in that:
• horses in PAQ are being closely monitored and tested
• cases of fever and respiratory disease are being thoroughly investigated
• communication between Commonwealth and State animal health authorities and horse industry organisations has improved
• it reinforces the need for a PAQ of 3 weeks when consignments from different origins are commingled for the first time in PAQ.
A quote from Dr. Andy Carroll, “There is currently absolutely no evidence of EI virus at Eastern Creek.”
June 01, 2009 - AHIC AND HORSE WELFARE
*AHIC and Horse Welfare*
Over the past few years AHIC has been fully involved representing the national horse industry in the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) project. AHIC has been represented on the two AAWS Sectorial Working Groups that deal with horses.The outcome of this is planned to be nationally consistent legislation and regulation of animal welfare for a wide range of species, including horses. The new national Code of Welfare for Horses is in final draft form and will go out for public comment in the second half of this year. The plan is to have the Standards referenced in all State and Territory legislation so they can be legally enforced if necessary. The legislation will be implemented from some time in 2010.Another important milestone that AHIC has particiated in is the development of the National Standards for the Land Transport of Animals. This consultative process consolidated a broad range of different codes into a single document that covers all the livestock species, including horses. All State and Territory Ministers accepted the final version except for a couple of minor issues in May 2009. This document will form the basis of nationally consistent legislation to be implemented as soon as possible. These Standards cover such areas as duration of travel, time between trips, access to food and water, amount of space allowed in a transport vehicle, and training and responsibilities for people who transport horses.
The June AAWS Report is available at http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_Upload/Files/AAWS%20June%2009%20Update.pdf
May 18, 2009 - Basic Information about Livestock Industry Levies
Australian Horse Industry Council Inc. -
Basic information about Livestock Industry Levies
What are levies?
A levy is a way for animal owners to make a contribution towards the cost of various programs that are run for the benefit of the industry. There is no other way for these programs to be funded.
Why are levies in place?
Monies collected from levy payments are used to pay for promotion and marketing, research and development, disease management, biosecurity training, and any other program that benefits animals and animal owners. Levy payments are also used to fund programs run by Animal Health Australia.
Who proposes levies?
A levy for a livestock industry is proposed by the industry after consultation with participants.
Who pays levies?
A levy is paid by animal owners.
When are levies paid?
A levy is paid by an animal owner at the same time as some other transaction involving animals or animal products. For example, in the cattle and sheep industries a levy is paid at the same time as an animal is sold, or when animal products (for example meat, milk, wool) are sold.
Who collects levies?
Levies are collected by an industry organisation which conducts transactions with animal owners. In the cattle and sheep industries these organisations are livestock sellers, dairy companies, wool brokers, and abattoirs. These organisations then consolidate all the individual levies collected and send them on a regular basis to the Levies Revenue Service.
Is a levy paid at every specified transaction in other livestock industries?
Animal owners must contribute a levy amount at each specified transaction. The levy amount is calculated the same way for each transaction and everybody in the industry operates under the same rules. The requirement to make a levy contribution is independent of the economic value of the transaction.
Is a levy still payable if the transaction is at a loss to the animal owner?
The requirement to pay a levy is triggered by the transaction and is still in place even if the transaction is done at an economic loss to the animal owner.
Who oversights and audits levies?
The Australian Government legislates for, collects and distributes levies on behalf of the industry. This is done by the Levies Revenue Service in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Why does the horse industry need a levy?
The horse industry needs horse owners to contribute to various programs that are undertaken for the benefit of the entire horse industry. Currently there is no industry wide funding of research and development, promotion, education and training, animal welfare, or Animal Health Australia programs which benefit all horse owners.
March 28, 2009 - CEM Investigation Includes More Than 700 Horses in the US
The ongoing investigation into contagious equine metritis (CEM) in the United States now includes more than 700 exposed or positive horses, according to the USDA .
This article shows that you do not even need an entire horse to introduce an exotic disease into Australia Infected semen will do the job just fine as demonstrated by this ongoing problem in USA as reported in "TheHorse.com"
For the full story, go to http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=13835February 19, 2009 - VICTORIAN HORSE INDUSTRY APPOINTS A CRISIS COMMITTEE
VICTORIAN HORSE INDUSTRY APPOINTS A CRISIS COMMITTEE
The Victorian Horse Council supported by the Australian Horse Industry Council convened a meeting of 35 representatives from various organisations in the Victorian horse industry last night. The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria generously allowed use of its meeting rooms at the Melbourne Showgrounds for the gathering.
The meeting was called to gain information about the impact of the recent devastating bushfires on the horse industry, and the progress of the assistance to those in affected areas.
Much of the area remains a designated crime scene and access is tightly controlled. A picture of the overall impact on the horse industry will emerge once all areas are opened again.
Preliminary estimates are that several hundred horses have died, about 50 are currently under intensive veterinary care, and several hundred more are under less intensive care for minor burns and other injuries. So far veterinarians and their suppliers have been able to do this work at no charge, but that cannot last forever. Lack of a secure identification system and database makes accurate estimations of the impact impossible.
There has been an outpouring of generosity from across Australia. Donations of hay, horse gear, offers of agistment, assistance with caring for horses, volunteers at veterinary practices, and input from various government departments are in place. The problem is one of co-ordination of all these efforts.
To address the co-ordination issue, the meeting decided to form a Crisis Committee of 8 people representing Victorian Horse Council, Project Hope, Triple R Triple R Equine Welfare Inc, Cyberhorse, Kentucky Equine Research and Equestrian Victoria. This group will better define what help is needed, where it is needed, and a co-ordinated way of matching needs with supply. A centralised inventory management system to track all this information is probably needed.
The relief effort will need to go on for many months. Even if normal rain comes over the autumn and winter months, there will be no pasture growth until sometime into spring. Much pasture and dormant seed has been rendered completely useless by the very high temperatures of the fire. During pasture regrowth, horse owners will need to be careful about toxic weeds in paddocks which proved a real problem after the Canberra bushfires. There are large areas of land that will need to be completely resown with pasture and other vegetation.
There will be a need for ongoing consultation and co-ordination with the Victorian horse industry during these recovery efforts. This could take years.
Further information will be available shortly on the Victorian Horse Council website at http://www.vhc.org.au/
February 12, 2009 - Equine Influenza Panel Announced
The expert review panel to look at future Equine Influenza incursions has been appointed. The panel is composed of Mr. Roger Beale, Chair; David Watson, (Qld, finance/project manager/ex Qld politician), Michael Curll (ex NSW Department of Agriculture , Deputy Director, Science and Research) and Anne Kelso (virologist, WHO Influenza Collaborating Centre, Melbourne).
DAFF are providing the panel with background documents and an introductory briefing is planned for 27 February.
The announcement about the panel is below.
PIMC EQUINE INFLUENZA EXPERT REVIEW PANEL
In consideration of the significant costs incurred as a result of the response to the disease, the Animal Health Committee of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council is examining options to minimise the consequential impact of any future equine influenza outbreak. The Council has commissioned an independent expert panel to examine this work, consult with stakeholders and provide an opinion to Council on the options considered, conclusions and recommendations of Animal Health Committee.
It is anticipated that the Review Panel will hold consultation meetings in two or three capital cities and a formal submission process will not be undertaken.
Terms of reference:
1. Identify the consequences of a future incursion of equine influenza;
2. Consider strategies proposed for the prevention, mitigation and management of those consequences;
3. Assess the impact (both economic and amenity) of each strategy on national horse industry businesses and business owners, including the non-racing sectors;
4. Advise PISC on the costs and benefits of each strategy.
The Panel will review the work of Animal Health Committee, consult with stakeholders and report to PISC by June 2009.
DAFF will arrange for the provision of technical and secretariat support. Access to independent economic analytical advice will be provided.
PIMC is the Primary Industries Ministerial Council and is composed of the Federal and State Ministers of Agriculture or Primary Industries, depending on the State. PISC is the Primary Industries Standing Committee and is composed of the heads of the Departments of Agriculture or Primary Industries.
February 12, 2009 - HELP FOR ANIMALS
Large quantities of animal feed, supplies & services have been donated from around Australia, available for use over coming weeks to fire affected families and their animals. • BAGGED HORSE FEED • DOG / CAT / OTHER FOOD • HALTERS, LEADS etc. • HAY, CHAFF & STRAW • GRAIN • BOWLS, BEDS etc.
Feed delivery available from volunteers OR available for pickup in the following areas...
ST. ANDREWS Frank: 0431437907
WHITTLESEA Vet Practice: 97162495
YARRA GLEN Chanel: 0411740062
KINGLAKE Vet Clinic: 0408161156
Small animal food, collars, bowls etc. ALL local veterinary clinics & hospitals.
Animal transport, horse hospital facilities Yarrambat Vet Hospital: 94361699 Horse supplies (halters, feed bins etc.) / health careYARRAMBAT Vet Hospital: 94361699
WHITTLESEA Vet Practice: 97162495YARRA RANGES Vet Clinic: 97395244
Wildlife
ELTHAM Vet Clinic: 94391111
HURSTBRIDGE Vet Clinic: 97181515
ANIMAL FEED, SUPPLIES & HELP
General inquiries, offers & donations 94361699
February 11, 2009 - MESSAGE RE VICTORIAN BUSHFIRES
The bushfires in Victoria have created a natural disaster of epic proportions. The loss of human life is difficult for us to appreciate.
AHIC, on behalf of the national horse industry, extends our sincere condolences to all those who have lost family and friends in this terrible tragedy. That so many people could lose their lives in only a few hours is incomprehensible. Many more people have been injured physically, and the mental traumas will go on for a while.
At this time access to the affected areas remains difficult. Much of the area has been declared a crime scene as authorities comb the rubble for victims. This is a very necessary step in coming to terms with the loss of human life.
There have also been significant impacts on animals unfortunate enough to have been caught by the fires. There is little information currently available on the effects of the fires on the many horses, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats and wildlife in the area.
I have spoken with the Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer and with veterinary practitioners who service the areas to the north of Melbourne. There are sufficient human resources available. Many people are donating fodder and agistment. Halters, lead ropes, rugs and other basic needs have also been provided. All of this is being co-ordinated by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. You can access their web site for information at
Currently there are about 300 horses under treatment for various injuries, mainly superficial burns. In bush fires it's the lower limbs and facial areas that suffer the most. Life threatening injuries are those that involve the feet because these can lead to destruction of the affected horse.
Internal injuries are caused by the temperature of the air near the fire front (often many hundreds of degrees Celsius), and the smoke and other debris that accompany the fire. These combine to cause injuries to the lining of the lungs which can result in another major cause for illness and death after fires. There have been many donations of veterinary supplies and bandaging materials which have assisted the veterinarians and carers considerably in these initial stages.
We need to remember that there will be no paddock feed in the affected areas for months. There will be an ongoing need for agistment and routine feeding and watering of livestock for many weeks to come. Local property owners are generously allowing extra animals in their properties at the moment. It is likely that others will also have to help for the future.
AHIC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. In the meantime AHIC is working with authorities to ensure that the needs of affected horses and their owners can be met.
February 11, 2009 - EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS FOR ANIMAL CARE
Project Hope have undertaken the task of co-ordinating offers of donations of feed and agistment for Horses. If you can help, or require assistance contact Project Hope on 1300 881 606, or email info@phhwv.org.au or go to www.phhwv.org.au.
RSPCA is providing temporary accommodation to animals at their shelters across Victoria. If your pet needs emergency accommodation - please phone 03 9224 2222. They are delivering emergency pet food to relief centres across Victoria including food donated by Hill's Pet Nutrition. If you wish to donate items such as pet food, bedding, leads and bowls you can deliver these to your local RSPCA.
The RSPCA will be working to reunite lost pets with their families.To support our emergency relief effort in other ways, please complete RSPCA _assistance form http://www.rspcavic.org/campaigns_news/bushfires_help_offer.htm detailing the the support you can offer.
Animal Aid in Coldstream is caring for domestic pets affected by fires Animal Aid has available boarding facilities that it has made available and has cancelled all private vet consultations to deal with injured pets in their vet clinic. Currently looking after dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, rats and some small livestock.
Animal aid also distributing donations of pet food and has a list of people willing to agist larger animals Anyone wanting to assist can donate funds to assist with the boarding of animals and for vet care. Contact:- Lesley Humphreys, Trustee, Animal Aid, 0418982070
Wildlife Victoria (www.wildlifevictoria.org.au <http://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au>) is responding and coordinating treatment and rescue of wildlife affected by the bushfires.
* DOGS Victoria is a source of assistance re dog accommodation and minding - visit http://www.dogsvictoria.org.au/
* The Help for Wildlife response team are based in the vicinity where the Kinglake/Healesville fires occurred are on standby waiting to enter the fireground when safe to rescue injured wildlife.
HELP FOR WILDLIFE - PO Box 181 COLDSTREAM 3770 Ph 0417 380 687 http://www.helpforwildlife.com/
* The Cat Protection Society would like to offer the following assistance and use of equipment (subject to availability) for people around the Greensborough area that are affected by the bushfire:
• Veterinary treatment of cats
• Use of 22 hospital size cages
• IV drips and giving sets
• Bandages
• Antibiotics
• Transport vehicles and facilities
• Boxes
• Contact details for a local cattery that is also able to provide accommodation for cats.
CPS does not have appropriate facilities for dogs, only cats. The clinic has limited opening hours, so it is essential to phone prior to visiting, on 9434 7155 or 9434 7255.
* Pet Industry Association members also have more than 850 dog boarding places and 550 cat boarding places donated by members - all details on Pet Industry Association website www.piaa.net.au <http://www.piaa.net.au/>
* The Lort Smith Animal Hospital at 24 Villiers Street in North Melbourne is offering free medical treatment for pets affected by the bush fires. Please contact the Lort Smith Animal Hospital, 24 Villiers Street, North Melbourne on 9328 3021.
For people who would find it easier to get to our clinic in Mill Park please contact the Lort Smith Plenty Valley Veterinary Clinic on 9407 2030,
* The Greyhound Adoption Program kennels in Seymour are also taking in any greyhounds who have been affected by the fires. They can be contacted on 5799 0166 for assistance
February 10, 2009 - RECOVERY AFTER FIRE
February 10, 2009 - EMERGENCY CONTACTS FOR ANIMALS IN DISTRESS
Please note the following contact details for animals in distress
For farm animals, please contact DPI emergency hotline 136186
For wildlife, domestic, please call RSPCA 9224 2222
The University of Melbourne's veterinary clinic at Werribee has offered to provide free treatment to pets and horses injured in the fires. Emergency & critical care: 9731 2232
February 05, 2009 - SENATE DECISION A BLOW TO THE FUTURE OF THE HORSE INDUSTRY
SENATE DECISION IS AN UNACCEPTABLE OUTCOME FOR HORSE OWNERS
The decision by 34 Senators to oppose the Horse Disease Levy Bills is a shattering outcome for Australian horse owners.
These 34 Senators have chosen to ignore advice from the three national horse industry organisations (AHIC, Australian Racing Board and Harness Racing Australia). This advice was supported by requests to pass the legislation from numerous member-based horse industry groups.
This decision places the entire horse industry, including thousands of mum and dad horse owners, at risk of an emergency disease outbreak without any guarantee of government help.
The horse industry does not have the expertise, resources, funds or statutory authority to mount an emergency disease response without the assistance from Government. Exotic disease incursions potentially affect every horse, and must be dealt with by an industry-government partnership. Every horse owner benefits from an emergency disease response.
Finally, after many years of industry consultation to agree to a workable levy system for the horse industry, this decision by the 34 Senators is extremely irresponsible. The entire horse industry now cannot benefit from the protection afforded by a levy system as all other livestock industries have had for many years.
Barry Smyth
President
February 01, 2009 - The Facts about the Levy Bills & Microchipping
The Australian Horse Industry Council is concerned about some dis-information which is currently being circulated about the proposed Horse Disease Levy Bills and Micro-chipping.
Levy Bills
After implementation of the recommendations from the Callinan Inquiry, there is a good chance that there may never been another emergency disease incursion. Nevertheless, there is always some chance of an emergency disease outbreak no matter what precautions are taken.
If there is no horse disease levy mechanism in place, the Commonwealth Government has stated that it will not act to assist the horse industry to attempt to eradicate any future emergency disease incursion. This is because the general taxpayer will not be contributing to an emergency horse disease response without some assurance of being able to recover some of the costs.
In the absence of a levy mechanism and with no Government supported emergency response, there might be no movement controls and people with infected horses will be free to travel around the country infecting other horses. Horse owners will not have access to Government veterinarians, laboratory expertise, or vaccination against any emergency disease incursion. If we do not address these problems and another emergency disease does break out, horse owners will be much worse off than we were with Equine Influenza. This will be at a much greater cost to all the horse industry, both financially and emotionally.
This possibility should be a very serious concern for all horse owners.
The levy mechanism under consideration is zero-based which means no levy is payable unless there is an emergency disease outbreak. The levy would be raised above zero after any future emergency disease response was declared over, and then only after consultation with the horse industry. If the levy were raised above zero, it would be a “once off” for any horse during the course of the collection period. The more people that can contribute to the repayment of debt to the general taxpayer, the cheaper the levy will be for everyone.
There is no simple answer to a comprehensive emergency disease levy mechanism for the horse industry. AHIC has been consulting with the horse industry since the late 1990's to come up with a workable solution. To this time no viable alternative to the current suggestion has been forthcoming.
Introduction of a levy mechanism will provide all horse owners with a contractual assurance of help to mount a response to an emergency disease incursion under the terms of the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement. The horse industry does not have to pay any upfront fee for this assurance. All that is needed is a levy mechanism by which the horse industry can repay a part of the costs of the emergency response. All other livestock industries have had this assurance since they introduced their emergency disease levies in 2002.
Microchipping
There is no move by AHIC or Governments for compulsory microchipping of horses. Animal identification is controlled by each state and is not a Commonwealth issue.
AHIC is actively lobbying Governments so that if organisations or individual wish to microchip horses, all microchip technology must meet Australian Standards (AS 5018 and 5019), and the procedure must be performed according to the established international protocol. This is to ensure uniformity across the horse industry. AHIC is also promoting that all properties that have horses should be identified with a Property Identification Code (PIC) so that the owners can be contacted in times of such emergencies as a disease outbreak, fire, or any other emergency.
Many horse owners are already voluntarily microchipping their horses because they recognise the value of a secure identification system. Some horse organisations (such as the EFA) are introducing compulsory microchipping.
December 18, 2008 - Release of Beale Report
Review of Australia's Quarantine and Biosecurity Arrangements - Report and Australian Government Preliminary Response
On 19 February 2008, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Tony Burke MP announced a comprehensive, independent review of Australia's quarantine and biosecurity arrangements.
This review included, but was not limited to, a wide-ranging assessment of the functions of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and Biosecurity Australia. The review was undertaken by an independent panel of experts chaired by Mr Roger Beale AO, a Senior Associate with the Allen Consulting Group. Mr Beale was joined on the panel by Dr Jeff Fairbrother AM, Mr Andrew Inglis AM and Mr David Trebeck.
On 30 September 2008, Mr Beale provided the panel's report - One Biosecurity: a working partnership, to the Minister.
Minister Burke released the report, along with the Australian Government's preliminary response on 18 December 2008.
Full details can be found at http://www.daff.gov.au/about/publications/quarantine-biosecurity-report-and-preliminary-response
November 13, 2008 - SENATE REPORT ON HORSE DISEASE LEVY RELEASED
The report on the Senate inquiry into the Disease Response Levy Bills has been released and the Senate Committee have recommended that the Bills proceeds without ammendment. A copy of the report is attached.
October 13, 2008 - VIC DPI Property Identification Codes
Vic DPI urges all Victorian Horse Owners to register their properties with a PIC for ease of concact during an emergency.
For more information, go to http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/nreninf.nsf/LinkView/DCF81751F0371063CA256BC700811D1B
October 01, 2008 - EI NATIONAL SUMMIT SEPT 25
AHIC made a presentation to the recent EI National Summit on on-going vaccination on behalf of the national horse industry, along with representatives from Harness Racing Australia, the Australian Racing Board and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.
AHIC Director Rod Hoare, and convenor of AHIC Quarantine and Health Committee Patricia Ellis also made presentations to the meeting.
Animal Health Australia has set up a link so that you may access and download the presentations made at last week's meeting in Sydney http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/ei-summit-25-9-08.cfm
The meeting proceedings including notes of the discussion session will be added to this site as they become available.
September 05, 2008 - AHIC Reaffirms Support for Equitable and Broad Based Levy
MEDIA RELEASE 5 September 2008
AHIC REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR EQUITABLE AND BROAD BASED LEVY
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) today reaffirmed its support for an equitable and broad-based industry levy. Such a levy will ensure government assistance for the horse industry in the event of a future emergency disease outbreak.
AHIC President, Dr Barry Smyth, stated that passage of the Horse Disease Response Levy Bills through the House of Representatives was an important first step to enable the horse industry to become a party to the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA).
“Through EADRA, the industry is guaranteed the support and financial assistance of government in sharing the burden of fighting future emergency disease outbreaks” Dr Smyth said. “Successful eradication of emergency diseases also eliminates ongoing disease management costs, providing further incentive for the industry to become a party to EADRA”.
“The ongoing viability of the horse industry could be compromised by a financially devastating disease outbreak. Involvement in EADRA is like taking out an insurance policy for the industry.”
Dr Smyth noted that a necessary step for participating in EADRA was to arrive at a suitable levy mechanism, which will enable the horse industry to contribute to part of the costs of future disease responses. The levy is to be set at zero, which means that no levy will be payable until after an emergency disease response is over. The Agreement specifies that industry will be consulted up front about the amount of any levy.
Legislation regarding a levy was passed by the House of Representatives yesterday, and now has been referred to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee for further review and consultation.
Dr. Smyth said, “AHIC is committed to contributing to this review process. It is an important step in ensuring that the Horse Disease Response Levy Bills provide for the most equitable and appropriate levy for the horse industry.”
“Our longstanding view has been that the levy must be broad based and that the burden should be distributed across the horse industry, because everybody benefits from disease eradication.”
“Our objective is to ensure that the final levy mechanism provides for widespread industry participation. The greater the number of participants in the levy scheme, the lower the cost to each individual horse owner.”
“The Levy Bills currently provide for application of the levy to include ‘registered' horses. We have communicated our concerns to Minister Burke that this approach might significantly restrict the potential number of levy participants .”
“AHIC will be recommending to the Senate Committee that it reviews this particular aspect of the Levy Bills, with a view to clarifying these issues.”
Ends
September 03, 2008 - HORSE DISEASE RESPONSE LEVY BILLS
The Bills to enable the horse industry to become a signatory to the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) are currently before Federal Parliament. Without the protection under EADRA, there is no guarantee of government assistance to the horse industry to respond to an emergency disease incursion.
You can read the debates, which are recorded in Hansard at: www.aph.gov.au/hansard/hansreps.htm
Click on the date of the debate that you want to read. The speeches from parliamentarians began on Monday 1 September 2008.
AHIC welcomes the current debate on the Bills proposal. The Bills have to pass the House of Representatives and then undergo further examination and debate in the Senate. Potentially, there remains a long way to go.
The federal opposition has stated that it intends to send the Bills to a review committee in the Senate. If this happens, it will provide a further opportunity for industry consultation on the merits of the current proposal. It might also further delay protection of the horse industry should there be an emergency disease outbreak while this examination process is underway. AHIC hopes that any such senate review process would be completed expeditiously.
The current parliamentary debate is the latest step in the attempts by the horse industry to become a signatory to EADRA. All other livestock industries signed up to EADRA in 2002. The entire process of consultation and implementation of EADRA has taken about 10 years. We hope that the national horse industry will also soon have similar protection to the other livestock industries.
August 28, 2008 - Hendra Virus Guidelines for Horse Owners
The attached document contains guidelines for Horse Owners from the Qld DPI.
For further information on Hendra go to http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/27_2900_ENA_HTML.htm
July 18, 2008 - Importation of Horses into Australia - 11 Months On
Importation of Horses into Australia - Changes at AQIS
Letter from AHIC to Mr Stephen Hunter, Executive Director, Australian Quarantine, DAFF.
Response from Mr Cliff Sampson, Deputy Secretary & Executive Director of AQIS.
June 26, 2008 - EADRA explained by Dr Andy Carroll
Dr Andy Carroll responds to questions posed by AHIC re the likelihood of the Horse Industry being protected in the future.April 18, 2008 - THE EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE RESPONSE AGREEMENT (EADRA) - A reminder of what EADRA is all about
THE EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE RESPONSE AGREEMENT (EADRA) - A reminder of what EADRA is all about
http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_upload/files/eadra20080418.pdf
March 04, 2008 - AHIC Levy Bills Information
February 28, 2008 - AHIC Questions and Answers about Vaccination against Equine Influenza
AUSTRALIAN HORSE INDUSTRY COUNCIL INC.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT VACCINATION AGAINST EQUINE INFLUENZA
The following information about use of vaccines against Equine Influenza is provided for information purposes.
AHIC acknowledges the assistance of Dr. Roger Paskin, epidemiologist with the Victorian Department of Primary Industries for independently reviewing the information.
Why do we use vaccines?
Vaccines are used to stimulate the immune response so that a horse can resist infection when exposed to a disease agent.
What is the difference between a vaccine and natural exposure to a disease agent?
A vaccine enables control of the type of infectious agent and the amount that is given to a horse. The amount of infectious agent in a vaccine and the frequency and timing of administration are designed to ensure that the maximum immune benefit is gained.
There is no such control possible with a natural exposure to a disease agent, although it must be said that natural exposure brings about a more robust immunity. When used properly, vaccines can be very effective in combating a disease agent.
There are many different vaccines against Equine Influenza, which is the best?
There is no such thing as a “best vaccine” because the effects depend on the particular virus strain in the vaccine and the virus strain that might cause infection. When the virus in the vaccine is the same as the infecting strain, then best effects can be expected (vaccinal immunity is usually partial and short-lived). A significant problem with all influenza viruses is that they can readily and continuously change their composition which makes it very difficult to have a vaccine that is always up-to-date with the circulating types of influenza viruses. This is why, for example, a new vaccine is made annually for human influenza protection.
If the vaccines against Equine Influenza cannot be kept up-to-date, then why use them?
Vaccination can be used for a number of different reasons:
a. To reduce the risk of individuals becoming infected
b. To suppress the severity clinical disease in an infected horse with consequent welfare benefits
c. To reduce excretion of an infectious agent so that the disease agent is not so easily spread to other horses
d. A combination of these effects.
Vaccines against Equine Influenza can be used for all these reasons.
How long do the effects of vaccination last?
Evidence is that vaccines against Equine Influenza can produce various effects for different times.
The vaccines may prevent establishment of infection in a horse for about 3 months or so, and after that time the ability to prevent infection wanes.
The vaccines can prevent a horse showing clinical signs of disease for about 9 to 12 months or so.
After administration of a vaccine a horse can become infected with Equine Influenza virus and still excrete the virus, though it might not show any signs of infection.
This is why vaccination against Equine Influenza infection must be administered about every 3-6 months or so to reduce the risk of infection and excretion of virus. Some modern vaccines can produce immunity that lasts a bit longer than 3 months.
If the vaccine strain is not closely related to the infecting virus, then vaccine will be of no use in preventing infection or clinical disease. In this case horses exposed to an Equine Influenza virus can become quite sick even if they have been vaccinated close to the time they become exposed to infection.
In the case of properly vaccinated horses that become infected, do they excrete the same amount of virus as unvaccinated horses?
The evidence is that vaccinated horses might not excrete as much virus or for as long as unvaccinated horses.
The important thing is that they will not be showing clinical signs, but will be infectious to other horses.
The period of virus excretion from vaccinated horses is for about 2 days, instead of about 5 days or so in unvaccinated horses.
Is the immunity from vaccination the same as after a natural infection?
Evidence is that immunity from a natural infection does last longer than immunity after vaccination.
Does immunity after natural infection prevent virus excretion similar to vaccination immunity?
Immunity after natural infection does prevent virus excretion, but for only about the same time as after vaccination (about 3-4 months).
Horses that have recovered from infection can still become infected by Equine Influenza virus and excrete virus from about 3-4 months after recovery from initial infection. These horses might not show signs of clinical disease, but will still excrete virus and be a source of infection for other horses.
In many overseas countries vaccination against Equine Influenza is compulsory yet the disease persists. Why can Equine Influenza persist when widespread vaccination is used?
To prevent an infectious agent from continuing to circulate and produce clinical disease within a given horse population, more than 80% of the total horse population needs to be immune effectively all the time.
This means that all horses need to be on regular regimes of vaccination (using vaccines containing appropriate and up-to-date strains of virus) to ensure that the immunity in the total horse population is sufficiently high all the time to prevent excretion of Equine Influenza virus.
Such a consistent level of effective vaccination in a total horse population has never been achieved and so Equine Influenza continues to circulate.
With a few notable exceptions, testing for circulation of virus is never carried out in combination with vaccination programs and so in most countries where Equine Influenza is endemic; there is no knowledge of the level of infection circulating in the horse population.
Regular vaccination in countries where Equine Influenza is present in fact promotes endemicity. Partially immune horses are able to transmit the virus without showing signs, while repeated vaccination places selection pressure on the circulating virus, promoting the rapid emergence of new strains.
Why does use of vaccination appear to have been successful in the Australian outbreak?
Vaccination was used strategically in close association with observation of clinical signs and testing for virus to confer high levels of short term immunity in targeted horse populations. Thus authorities had a very good idea of exactly where the virus was circulating in the horse populations of NSW and QLD.
Armed with this knowledge they could identify areas surrounding places where Equine Influenza virus was circulating and vaccinate strategically to prevent spread of infection beyond those identified areas. All horses thought to be at risk of infection in these areas were identified for vaccination. In some cases not all horses could be vaccinated within a particular area for different reasons, but the level of vaccination achieved in these “vaccinated buffers” was greater than 80%.
Movement restrictions and good biosecurity practices in association with the vaccination program were essential to confine Equine Influenza infection to specific areas.
Why did authorities use only one vaccine in the Australian outbreak?
Eradication of Equine Influenza has always been to aim of the current emergency response efforts. The vaccine chosen produces immunity in horses using only a part of the Equine Influenza virus. By using a couple of different laboratory tests, you can tell exactly which horses have become immune after vaccination and those that have become immune after infection.
This is known as DIVA testing, or Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals.
Thus authorities can tell exactly where the virus has been circulating in the horse population, even if that population has been partially vaccinated.
Why did horses have to be microchipped as part of the Australian vaccination program?
The vaccine approved for use during the Equine Influenza emergency was a genetically modified organism and its use is closely regulated by the Office of Gene Technology Regulator. Every horse that had this vaccine administered needs to be identified permanently and recorded as part of the permit for use of the vaccine. Microchipping was selected as the most secure form of horse identification, although where some animals had been individually branded, this was accepted.
Why was a genetically modified organism allowed to be used on horses?
The genetically modified organism was a modified canary pox virus that had part of the Equine Influenza virus inserted. Experiments show clearly that the canary pox vector is removed by the horse's own immune system by about 5 days after administration of the vaccine. No genetically modified organism is excreted by the horse. There is no danger to persons or other animals from use of this vaccine in horses. This canary pox vector has been used in vaccines for endangered species, as well as cats, dogs, horses and humans.
If vaccination can prevent clinical disease and excretion of virus, why would we not continue to use vaccine against further Equine Influenza infections?
All the evidence is that Equine Influenza has been eradicated from Australia. A wide ranging active and passive surveillance program involving extensive diagnostic testing for the presence of virus, has eliminated the possibility of any residual infection.
There is no good reason to continue to vaccinate against a virus that is no longer present.
What if some virus continues to circulate? Why would vaccination not be used?
Experience for more than 50 years indicates that vaccination programs against Equine Influenza are ineffective in eliminating infections, and in fact encourage silent propagation of the virus with resulting endemicity.
In countries that have instituted vaccination programs, even compulsory ones, a sufficient number of horses with a sufficiently high level of immunity to prevent virus excretion has never been achieved. These vaccination programs have ensured that Equine Influenza continues to circulate in those horse populations thus ensuring that Equine Influenza remains endemic.
Even where compulsory vaccination programs have been used in sub-populations, these horses have acted as sources of infection for those horses that have not been vaccinated. We should bear in mind that EI was introduced into Australia through animals that had been vaccinated. Some of those horses apparently did not mount a sufficient antibody response to protect them from infection with EI.
Evidence shows that more than one type of Equine Influenza virus can circulate in a horse population at any one time.
Vaccination imposes selection pressures for virus types that are not susceptible to the vaccine being used, thus promoting the emergence of these as the new dominant strains.
The more that Equine Influenza virus circulates the greater is the possibility that the virus will change its composition and any vaccination program will be ineffective anyway. There are numerous examples of this over the past 50 years. The Equine Influenza outbreak in Japan in August 2007 is the latest of these examples.
The problems created by misuse of antibiotics leading to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria and subsequent infections is widely reported and well recognised. The same principles apply to improper use of vaccines - used incorrectly they can lead to emergence of resistant strains of organisms (either bacteria or viruses).
What would need to happen to allow continued use of Equine Influenza vaccine in Australia?
Equine Influenza is regarded as an exotic disease in Australia and it is illegal to vaccinate for an exotic disease except in an emergency situation. Since Equine Influenza appears to have been eradicated, the emergency response will cease soon. Thus continued vaccination outside the emergency response would be illegal.
Continued use of a vaccine against an exotic disease that does not exist in Australia would have significant ramifications for all other exotic diseases. All other livestock industries would be impacted by such a move.
Epidemiologically, vaccinated horses present the greatest danger in that they could become the conduit through which Equine Influenza virus would be re-introduced into Australia. Keeping tight control of vaccinated animals would be a high priority.
For vaccination to continue there would need to be:
a. Permanent and unique identification of all horses that are vaccinated
b. Permanent recording of all vaccinations administered
c. Recording of horse movements to allow tracing in an Equine Influenza outbreak (remembering that vaccinated animals would top the list of ‘suspects' in the event of an outbreak).
d. Regular testing of vaccinated horses to ensure that the immunity is of sufficient level to prevent infection and virus excretion. This testing would also be necessary to detect immunity from infection and immunity from infection
e. Regular testing of horses to ensure that Equine Influenza virus is not circulating in the horse population. This would ensure that any virus circulating was detected and its composition checked to ensure that there had been no significant change over time.
f. Auditing of the vaccination program to ensure compliance with appropriate meaningful penalties for transgressions
g. Registration of Equine Influenza vaccines. Composition of the vaccines would need to be monitored constantly to ensure that correct virus strains had been used for the vaccine to be effective. . Currently available vaccines have not complied with recommendations from the 2004 expert surveillance panel on equine influenza, so there is little commercial impetus to keep vaccines up to date. This would not protect against a major and unpredictable change in virus composition that would make any vaccine ineffective. Registration of any vaccine takes many months, and is even longer for those vaccines that contain genetically modified organisms
h. Change to current legislation in all jurisdictions that regulates use of vaccines against exotic diseases.
Any costs associated with all these procedures would need to be passed on to horse owners, thus causing a significant increase in the annual cost of keeping a horse. The cost of the vaccine itself would be only a minor part of these ongoing annual costs.
You can buy Equine Influenza vaccines over the internet. Why cannot horse owners just get their own vaccines that way?
It remains illegal to import vaccines when such products are not approved for use in Australia. Anybody caught importing vaccines illegally would be subject to serious statutory penalties including fines and imprisonment.
There might be some cost involved in vaccinating against Equine Influenza. If owners can afford the extra costs, why should they not be able to vaccinate their horses if they want?
Any decisions about vaccination for Equine Influenza must be made in the best interests of disease control and eradication in the national horse herd. Thus what is best for the entire horse herd and their owners is what is paramount. It would be inappropriate for individual horse owners to be acting independently of any moves or decisions taken in the interests of the national horse herd.
It is inevitable that Equine Influenza will be introduced into Australia at some stage. Vaccination would prevent any disruption to the horse industry.
This is not the case.
Australia has successfully prevented introduction of Equine Influenza until August 2007. Evidence before the Commission of Inquiry into the August 2007 Equine Influenza outbreak indicates that Equine Influenza was in the Spotswood Quarantine Station at the same time it was in Eastern Creek Quarantine Station. The important difference is that Equine Influenza did not escape from Spotswood.
All instances of introduction of Equine Influenza into a country can be traced to a breakdown in quarantine. Effective quarantine prevents introduction of exotic diseases and so the inevitability of another Equine Influenza introduction into Australia is far from certain so long as effective quarantine is maintained.
A powerful new diagnostic tool - the PCR test - is now available that would immediately detect the presence of virus in horses in quarantine. This test was not available prior to August 2007 and would play a key role in detecting Equine Influenza in quarantined animals and enabling early reaction to prevent spread.
But if Equine Influenza did penetrate successfully Australia's quarantine procedures again, ongoing vaccination would prevent imposition of any movement controls and disruption of the horse industry.
This is not correct.
Vaccination of horses would cause significant problems in identifying where Equine Influenza was circulating. Horses immune or partially immune from vaccination would not display typical clinical signs of infection and might continue to spread virus. This is what happened in Eastern Creek Quarantine Station last August. Equine Influenza was circulating among those horses to varying degrees for many days and it was only about the time scheduled for release of the horses that vague clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease were noticed. Equine Influenza virus was detected in samples taken after the clinical signs became apparent.
Any control programs would need to target specifically these vaccinated horses to determine if virus were circulating there. Testing for level of immunity and presence of virus would cause major problems for any eradication efforts. Under such circumstances all vaccinated horses would need to be quarantined until their Equine Influenza virus status had been determined. Further administration of vaccine might be needed to ensure immunity was at such a level to prevent horses becoming infected again. All these factors add to the complexity, difficulty and cost of monitoring and surveillance programs during investigations of emergency disease responses.
Vaccinated animals would be subject to standstill orders as would any non-vaccinated animal. Vaccination status would not represent a licence for free movement.
The testing program might show that the disease had become so widespread that any attempts at eradication would be futile. Thus any government assistance under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement would cease and all costs would fall onto the horse industry at large. The horse industry would also be liable for a share of the costs up to the point where any emergency responses were abandoned.
Vaccination would thus make early detection of infection very difficult and would jeopardise any subsequent emergency response.
In overseas countries where they use ongoing vaccination against Equine Influenza, there is no disruption to horse industry activities.
This is not correct.
Many countries where ongoing vaccination against Equine Influenza is practised do not regard it as a reportable disease. So authorities in those countries have no idea about where Equine Influenza is circulating - it is not reportable and they do not have any surveillance or testing programs in place. Because Equine Influenza is not reportable, authorities have no power to ban horse events.
When outbreaks of Equine Influenza do happen, many horses become sick and are unable to compete. Depending on the severity of the clinical disease, affected horses might not be fit to compete for weeks to months. This is a costly impost on owners of the affected horses.
These affected horses are unable to compete and while horse gatherings and events might continue, they do so with reduced numbers of competitors.
So while there are definite benefits to use of vaccine against Equine Influenza in an emergency response, there are considerable problems with ongoing vaccination programs.
Yes.
Strategic vaccination has provided significant benefits in the control and eradication programs in NSW and QLD over the past 6 months.
Ongoing vaccination programs would ensure that Equine Influenza continued to circulate in Australia, would add to the cost of keeping a horse, would not prevent ongoing infections, would increase the difficulty of disease monitoring and surveillance, and would not prevent disruption to the horse industry. There would need to be a complete rethink of how Australia managed exotic diseases if such a vaccination program were to go ahead.
How might we prevent or mitigate the effects of a possible future incursion of Equine Influenza?
This can be done as follows:
• strict adherence to biosecurity protocols and testing regimes in pre-export quarantine
• strict adherence to biosecurity and testing protocols in post-arrival quarantine
• establishment of a “vaccine bank” of Equine Influenza vaccine that contains up-to-date strains of virus. This vaccine bank could be rolled out in conjunction with quarantine and movement controls to limit the spread of any infection. The ‘vaccine bank' can be used within 24 to 48 hours of EI being detected in the horse population to contain EI within a small area. Use of the vaccine in this circumstance ensures early control and containment of EI to minimise any impact on industry sectors. Animal Health Australia (AHA) would be the appropriate organisation to manage an Equine Influenza vaccine bank. AHA already oversees vaccine banks for other livestock industries.
Conclusion
Properly used, vaccination is a very valuable tool in the fight against infectious diseases. Like all medications, there are both benefits and disadvantages to the use of vaccines. When used improperly, vaccines can introduce significant difficulties in identifying, controlling and preventing disease in animal populations.