Warnings of an increasing risk of animal disease outbreaks.

Disease outbreaks aren’t something that only the pig, poultry and beef industries need to be aware of. 

The incidence of African Horse Sickness in Thailand last year shows that us that as horse owners we need to remain informed and vigilant. 

The AHIC works closely with Animal Health Australia to help spread the word of the importance of bio-security for the horse industry. 

 “Peace time preparedness is so important. The horse industry and horse owners, cannot be complacent. Compared to other countries we are blessed with the low incidence of serious equine diseases and we need to work together to ensure this remains the case” said Mark Burnell, President of the AHIC. 

ABC Landline today (Sunday) at 1230 on ABC (and later on iview) will feature more on this story from ABC Rural.

Latest Communique - National Horse Traceability Working Group.

1 July 2021

The National Horse Traceability Working Group (NHTWG) met at the Agriculture Victoria office in Attwood, Victoria on 22 April 2021 and 19 May 2021. The Working Group has now met four times.

The Attwood meetings were face to face, providing an excellent opportunity for the group to confirm the focus and the aim in developing recommendations for a national horse traceability system.

In progressing several key areas of discussion, the Working Group agreed on the following purpose statement:

To recommend principles of Australia’s horse traceability system for the core purposes of the management of horses during endemic or exotic disease control, and emergency incidents.

The working group agreed that although ultimately the development of a broader horse traceability system was desirable, there needed to be a base level starting point that provides the platform to move in time to greater functionality. The working group discussed a phased approach in this context.

One of the key principles of traceability is having a unique land identifier (geospatial address point) for properties where horses are held. As part of State and Territory legislation Property Identification Codes (PICs) have for over a decade been required for land where horses are kept. PICs align the property location with the contact details of the property owner, and horse carer or manager.

The PIC system enables the location of nearby properties on which susceptible species also reside to be quickly identified during a disease outbreak. PICs also enable the movement of horses between locations to be recorded, facilitating prompt traceback and contact tracking should the need arise.

To ensure timely and efficient communications from both government and industry, all horse owners, managers, or carers should ensure that they have an up-to-date PIC for the property on which their horses are located.

The Working Group agreed to prepare data standards and principles that once adopted will enable data about horses and horse movements to be more freely accessed and shared. A subgroup will progress this important work.

The Racing Australia member, Karen Day, General Manager of Equine Welfare and Traceability provided an excellent demonstration of the newly developed and recently launched Racing Australia Traceability Platform. Racing Australia has introduced new requirements that ensure location and

owner data is available for broodmares, stallions, foals, unnamed horses, registered racehorses, and retired racehorses. The database not only requires people involved in the racing industry to ensure real time location data for horses is accurate but also allows for owners of retired racehorses to voluntarily provide location and ownership data. Individual horse identification and location traceability is via microchips which are utilised across the thoroughbred horse population and is integrated into the racing industry’s traceability platform.

https://www.racingaustralia.horse/uploadimg/Racing-Australia-Traceability-v1.pdf

The working group will next meet mid July 2021.
For further information or any enquiries please email horse.traceability@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Stuart McLean

Chair, National Horse Traceability Working Group

FREE AHIC Equine Tech Seminar - register now! 

The AHIC is piloting a zoom based one-hour tech seminar to give our members and all involved in the horse industry the latest in news and information.

The first seminar (which if it proves popular will become a regular series) kicks off on November 4th at 6.30pm. 

We will be hearing from two companies developing leading technology products for horse owners.

Kentucky Equine Research will talk about the role of tech with the development of nutrition, growth and development and exercise physiology in the performance horse.  KER has developed three software programs that assist the industry with making key decisions on nutrition, development and training programs. 

·      Microsteed is an equine nutritional ration formulation tool 

·      Grotrak tracks the growth and development of individual horses and can compare to industry growth curves for various breeds and regions around the world

·      Clockit is an exercise physiology tool than monitors training intensity, heart rate and allows you to detail training programs and asses fitness. 

Al three programs can be interconnected so can detail specific programs for an individual from birth to the competition arena or track.   

The other presentation on the night is very timely given the current discussions about the feasibility of a national equine traceability database. 

Specta Technologies will demonstrate a traceability framework and technology they have developed known as Digital Horse Management (DHM) that can be applied to all horse breeds. This technology has application for farriers, dentists, stud managers and vets to help manage information. 

The founders of Specta Technologies have a proven track record for developing technology and process solutions from the ground up. 

It’s easy and free to register - 

https://www.horsecouncil.org.au/events#!event/2020/11/4/save-the-date-tbc-ahic-technology-meeting

 

 

 

Digital Horse Management - Specta Technologies

Digital Horse Management - Specta Technologies

First meeting set for the National Equine Traceability working group

The working group to discuss the feasibility of setting up a national equine traceability database will meet for the first time on October 30.

The working group is comprised of a number of representative equine organisations along with federal and state government representatives.

The AHIC was invited to have two people on the working group.

We will be holding facilitated workshops with our membership over the following months to canvass views to be fed back into the working group.

AHIC welcomes the establishment of the National Horse Traceability Working Group. 

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Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Jaclyn Symes has announced the make-up of the working group to discuss the potential establishment of a national horse traceability scheme. 

The AHIC will have two representatives.

The working group was one of the recommendations from an extensive Federal Senate inquiry process in 2019. Submissions were requested from both individuals and organisations to the inquiry. 

The AHIC prepared a submission and Mark Burnell, President of the AHIC was invited (along with others) to appear before the inquiry. 

The AHIC representatives on the working group are AHIC Board Directors, Linda Kelly and Dr Meredith Flash.

President of the AHIC, Mark Burnell thanks both Directors for offering to volunteer their time to be part of this important discussion on behalf of our members “Both were chosen by the AHIC to represent our membership due to their extensive professional experience working with a broad cross section of stakeholders in formulating policies.” Mr Burnell said.

Dr Meredith Flash is an experienced equine veterinarian, working with performance horses and is a FEI Veterinary delegate. She has a veterinary epidemiological research background with a particular interest in horse traceability in Australia. Her background also includes many years contributing to Equine Veterinarians Australia and the Australian Veterinary Associate.

Linda Kelly has an extensive senior policy background in agriculture, food production and utilities and is known for her ability to engage stakeholders in effective consultations to create agreed policy outcomes in areas as contentious as water policy. 

Both of the AHIC directors are there to represent the views of our financial member organisations. 

Over the coming months, we will be conducting professionally facilitated workshops (most likely via Zoom) to garner the views, concerns and aspirations of our members to feed back into the working group on behalf of our members. 

We encourage our member organisations to participate in these workshops so we can represent the broadest possible range of opinions. 

If you are an organisation and would like to join the AHIC so you can help us effectively represent the scope of the industry you are very welcome. Details here. 

Other members of the working party announced this week include; 

  • Kathy Gibson, Animal Health Australia

  • Karen Day, Racing Australia 

  • Kathleen Mullan, Harness Racing Australia 

  • Dr Bidda Jones, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) 

  • Equestrian Australia 

  • Representatives from state and territory governments as well as the Commonwealth. 

Stuart McLean OAM will chair the group, current Chair of the Australian Livestock Saleyards Association.

The press release outlines some further background. 

The Working Group will analyse existing animal traceability systems and technologies in Australia, such as the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), informed by a review already undertaken by Agriculture Victoria; and will put forward recommendations on what form a national register for all horses in Australia should take.  

An effective horse traceability system will benefit all horse owners in Australia, including the racing industry, with better traceability for exotic diseases such as equine influenza and African horse sickness, as well as endemic diseases such as Hendra virus.  

You can read the entire press release in full here.

We will keep you informed on our website and Facebook of further developments and the workshops. 

 

Federal Government response Senate recommendations - National Horse Register

The Federal Government has released a response to the Senate Inquiry report into the Feasibility of a national horse traceability register.

The report made 18 recommendations - you can view the Federal Governments response in full here

In summary -

“The Australian Government agrees that a national horse traceability register could support some biosecurity activities, however notes that this inquiry and the need for a register was driven by other concerns, including rider safety and horse welfare.

It is important that agriculture ministers and racing ministers in every state and territory work collectively to establish a national horse register. Establishing a register will require a high degree of cooperation with significant policy and regulatory work by states and territories in consultation with the horse industry.Australian Government response to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry report: Feasibility of a national horse traceability register for all horses.”

The Australian Horse Industry Council has representation on the working group. Being a member of the AHIC is the best way to stay informed and contribute to the development of future policy in this area.

Here is how you can join the AHIC and have your say in this important development affecting horse owners, clubs and associations.

Horse Industry Consultative Committee latest meeting.

The Horse Industry Consultative Committee (HICC) is the principal consultative forum for the Department of Agriculture and Environment (DAWE) to engage with industry on equine biosecurity, quarantine and market access issues, and related animal health and welfare matters. Dr Patricia Ellis represents the Australian Horse Industry Council on the HICC. 

The HICC most recently met by teleconference on 23 April 2020. 

Items discussed at the HICC meeting included:

·       an update on operations at the Mickleham post entry quarantine station

·       the type of swab used for taking samples for equine influenza

·       the impact of COVID 19 on the international movement of flying grooms

·       a review of the glanders status of different countries

·       African horse sickness in Thailand

·       national horse traceability

·       identification requirements for horse imported from New Zealand

·       import clearance of horses at seaports

 

For more detail - the minutes of the meeting have been published on the DAWE website:

 

Next Industry Advisory Committee meeting via ZOOM.

Hold the date ! June 19 - 1200-2.30pm

Although we haven't been able to hold an IAC meeting so far this year, the AHIC has been very busy behind the scenes and we want to bring you, our members, up to speed with all that has been going on.

A lot of us have become quite accustomed to meeting virtually using technology such as zoom and our next IAC meeting will be conducted this way - so while you might miss out on the excellent sandwiches from the cafe at Racing Victoria - this means that you can join us from the comfort of your own house - from wherever you live in Australia.

This is a great opportunity for members from outside of Victoria to be involved without the expense or hassle of travelling to Melbourne.

Also, we would love for new organisations to join with us and come along to the meeting.

There are some pretty important topics that are shaping up to be on the agenda. Some of the things we will cover...

Equestrian Competitions in a COVID world - how do we restart safely ?

Update on the National Horse Traceability project.

African Horse Sickness - cases of this deadly disease have been reported in Thailand - what are we doing to prevent it from arriving here in Australia ?

We will send out more details about the agenda and how it will work.

If you would like to come along to represent a member organisation or if you are part of an organisation interested in attending and becoming a member, you are very welcome.

If you are a member of the AHIC you can now register for free here

Or drop our secretary, Kathryn a line to express an interest. And like our FB page to stay up to date.

secretary@horsecouncil.org.au

Looking forward to seeing you all via zoom in June.

COVID 19 Horse Ownership, Agistment and restrictions.

As the primary concern of the Government is to avoid the mass pandemic as experienced in other parts of the World, horse owners are facing a range of restrictions to their normal practices. It is expected that the mandatory social distancing, washing of hands and minimal movements from your home are the prime directive.

For horse owners who do not enjoy the experience of living on the same property as their horses, this has proven to be problematic. Agistment of horses is a common occurrence, in particular in the peri urban areas of Australia. 

There are a range of ways in which agistment of horses may occur from full service (feeding, rugging, exercise, cleaning stables/paddocks and organising essential services such as farrier, dental check etc..) to largely do it yourself. Some horses live in paddocks, some are fully stabled, and some have a combination of both so exercise requirements also vary.

Something agistment proprietors can do for their horse owning clients is; provide a document which clearly states where the agistment facility is, how many horses are on agistment, who is the owner (therefore legally responsible for good welfare outcomes) and what care is provided by the horse owner. Detail such as feeding, checking adequate water, keeping paddocks or stables clean, meeting service providers such as farriers or dental technicians and providing adequate exercise to their horses can be included. A key factor when dealing with horses is to remember, like going for a swim, NEVER do it on your own! Having an extra pair of eyes around if you are feeding your horse, changing rugs and especially  when excercising is good risk management.

African Horse Sickness detected in Thailand.

African horse sickness (AHS) has been reported in Thailand.

AHS is a serious viral disease of horses and does not occur in Australia. It has potential for serious and rapid spread and is important in the international trade of horses. 

The virus is transmitted to horses by biting midges of the genus Culicoides. It is not spread by aerosol or direct contact between infected and non-infected animals and it does not infect humans.

AHS commonly kills domestic horses and mules. Disease in donkeys is less severe. Zebras are recognised as the natural reservoir host.

The acute or ‘pulmonary’ form occurs in totally susceptible horses. It is characterised by high fever, excessive fluid in and around the lungs, difficult breathing and death of up to 95% of horses within 3–5 days. 

Australia does not import horses from Thailand. Australia is importing no horses at present (28 March 2020). Grooms are unable to accompany horses to Australia because of COVID-19 related travel bans. 

AHS is an Animal Health Australia Category 3 disease under the Australian government–industry Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement for cost-sharing arrangements. Category 3 diseases are those for which costs will be shared 50% by government and 50% by industry.  

 More information can be found here

With thanks to Dr Patrica Ellis for this report.

COVID 19 - AHIC calls for clarity for horse owners and industry.

The Australian Horse Industry Council today joins calls from the Australian Veterinary Association and the RSPCA for the Federal Government to clarify the status of Veterinarians as an essential service provider should we move to higher level business and community restrictions as part of the response to COVID 19.

While the AHIC strongly supports the need to limit human interaction as an important element to slow the spread of COVID 19, we see the continued provision of Veterinary and related services as an important animal welfare issue. 

The AVA have stated that that AVA will ensure that veterinarians are fully aware of the need to comply with strict infection control and incident management protocols. AVA is committed to supporting the veterinary profession in doing so, and has zero tolerance for non-compliance under the circumstances. 

This brings Australia in line with many European countries, the US and New Zealand.

The AHIC requests this also should include other essential horse health care professionals providing hoof and dental services. 

Provision should also be made for the collection by knackeries of any horse that is deceased or requires humane slaughter.

Additionally, in the event of a Level 4 lock down, the AHIC would like to ensure that horse owners have the capacity to access horse feed from produce stores for their animals during this time. This may be in the form of bulk feed deliveries in the event that produce stores are closed to the public. 

The AHIC also seeks clarification that should we reach Level 4, horse owners and managers be permitted to move to feed, manage and protect the welfare of their horses. 

President of the AHIC Mark Burnell today said “Horse owners and the broader industry are becoming increasingly anxious about the prospect of a community lock down. They are seeking clarity to help them plan for the coming weeks to ensure that we don’t add an animal welfare problem to the current issues.” 

Burnell goes onto say that the AHIC strongly recommends that now is the time for horse owners to prepare and make provision for the care of their horses especially those on agistment properties in the event of increasingly restricted access. 

We urge horse owners to continue to monitor the Federal Government’s advice via their website www.health.gov.au



































Equestrian Victoria and Racing Australia join forces.

Following last years Senate inquiry into the feasibility of a National Horse Traceability database, there has been a growing interest to examine how this can be achieved.

In a positive move, EV and RA have reached an agreement to exchange data to allow for a more accurate tracing of Thoroughbreds as part of a two year trial.

The organisations have agreed to share the microchip number, registered name and location.

The AHIC continue to work behind the scenes to help promote the next stages of investigation of the creation of a practical National Horse Traceability Database and will keep you updated on developments, including how AHIC members can be involved and have your say.

Further information about the agreement between EV and RA is available here.

AHIC attends first RSPCA Horse Welfare Roundtable

The first Horse Welfare Roundtable convened by the RSPCA was held today in Melbourne.

The Australian Horse Industry Council was one of the key equine groups invited to attend.

A number of areas relating to horse welfare were covered with representatives from across the Horse Industry.

In addition to the Australian Horse Industry Council, representatives included, Harness Racing Australia, Racing Australia, Equestrian Australia, Australian Veterinarian Association and the Equine Veterinary Association.

AHIC President Mark Burnell said “Dr Bidda Jones, (Acting CEO of the RSPCA) and the RSPCA are to be commended for taking the lead in bringing peak equine bodies together to discuss ways we can improve horse welfare guidelines for all horses in Australia, not just race horses. All horses should expect to be treated respectfully and humanely throughout their lives, this also should extend to their end of life.”

The round table discussed a range of horse welfare issues and called for a review into the following areas including how they are overseen and enforced:

  • national transportation guidelines for horses

  • horse abattoir and knackery practices across Australia

  • welfare standards at horse sales and auctions

The AHIC again called for a whole of Industry Survey to be conducted to provide an accurate picture of the scale of the equine population and industry in Australia. This information currently does not exist as a whole of industry data set. This would provide a valuable baseline for regulators and policy makers when considering some of the issues above, together with the recent Senate Inquiry call for a National Horse Traceability Registry.

The Horse Welfare Roundtable will meet again in the new year. The AHIC will continue to be involved and to represent the wider horse community in this forum.

The AHIC holds a number of Industry Advisory Committee meetings throughout the year to discuss these issues with member organisations and to brief them about major industry developments.

Senate Comm announces support for the establishment of a national horse traceability register.

Names AHIC as being key to bring horse industry together. 

After a nine-month process, the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Senate Committee handed down its final report on Thursday into the Feasibility of a national horse traceability register for all horses.

After receiving submissions from across the horse industry and two public hearings, the Senate committee has recommended the establishment of a working group under the auspices of the Federal Department of Agriculture. The aim will be to progress the development and implementation of a national horse traceability register to report back in 12months.

The committee has called upon the AHIC to play a key role in the working group.  Namely, to land a unified industry front to engage with Commonwealth, state and territory governments and to negotiate and communicate the specific requirements of the industry.  

The AHIC bought invited equine organisations and data base specialist companies already working in this sector for a round table discussion on Friday November 29 in Melbourne to discuss the senate recommendations and to begin consulting with the horse industry.  

This followed an industry survey to help us understand the extent of the data and information already being collected. Thank you to all the organisations that have responded so far. 

What would best describe your current database, system or organisation best? 

·     A record of *horses? 

·     A record of owners? 

·     A platform for running competitions or organising entries to competitions? 

·     Or all of the previous? 

(*Note when reading horse/horses in the following questions, this also relates to ponies, donkeys and mules.) 

If a record of horses, does it require a microchip as means of identifying? Does it require a brand? Does it require both? Does it require no more than a name? For identification do you use a drawn representation of hair whorls, markings and any scars? For the horses do you collect DNA? Do you use/accept any other forms of horse identification? Do you keep a record of parentage/pedigree of all horses in your registry system? Do you keep a record of where the horses are kept? For the address of where the horses are kept do you need a PIC or simply the address? 

If a record of horse owners, what information do you require? Address of where the owner lives? Do you record where the horses are kept if at a different location? 

If your platform is used to assist in running competitions, does your organisation or system require the owner to provide details of where the horse originated from and where it will go to after the event has been held (biosecurity tracing documentation)? In the entry forms are microchip numbers required for every competing horse? In the entry forms do you simply require a horses name? Must the horse owner use the same name for their horse across all registries and competition platforms? 

Please email it to  secretary@horsecouncil.org.au

The AHIC is committed to representing the industry during this crucial time. We invite you to join us as members and subject matter experts, and attend our Industry Advisory Committee members. 

We will be announcing a new introductory membership package to help engage with you and the broader industry and ensure that government gets a comprehensive and effective voice from the equine community. 

 

 

National Horse Database Roundtable - Industry Advisory Committee meeting - November 29.

As you would be aware there has been a great deal of discussion about a National Horse Traceability Database. The AHIC has been an active participant in these discussions, including at the Senate Inquiry.   

The upcoming Industry Advisory Committee meeting is a chance for us as an industry to have a round table discussion. 

We will be hearing from a number of organisations about what data they already collect from their members and how they use it. We are interested to identify common data points that already exist in one form or another.  

For organisations planning to come to the meeting and for those who are not able to come, can you let us know the following information please? 

What would best describe your current database, system or organisation best? 

·     A record of *horses? 

·     A record of owners? 

·     A platform for running competitions or organising entries to competitions? 

·     Or all of the previous?

(*Note when reading horse/horses in the following questions, this also relates to ponies, donkeys and mules.) 

If a record of horses,does it require a microchip as means of identifying? Does it require a brand? Does it require both? Does it require no more than a name? For identification do you use a drawn representation of hair whorls, markings and any scars? For the horses do you collect DNA? Do you use/accept any other forms of horse identification? Do you keep a record of parentage/pedigree of all horses in your registry system? Do you keep a record of where the horses are kept? For the address of where the horses are kept do you need a PIC or simply the address? 

If a record of horse owners, what information do you require? Address of where the owner lives? Do you record where the horses are kept if at a different location? 

If your platform is used to assist in running competitions, does your organisation or system require the owner to provide details of where the horse originated from and where it will go to after the event has been held (biosecurity tracing documentation)? In the entry forms are microchip numbers required for every competing horse? In the entry forms do you simply require a horses name? Must the horse owner use the same name for their horse across all registries and competition platforms? 

Please come to the IAC with this information prepared and ideally if you could email it prior to  secretary@horsecouncil.org.auand for those organisations unable to attend, it would be very helpful if you are able to send through that information to us prior to the meeting on the 29th November. 

Equine industry skills 5 min survey.

What services do you purchase in the care of your horses?  

Skills Impact have asked us to let you know about a survey they are conducting.

Skills Impact would like to invite you to complete a survey about horse care and the use of specific services within the industry. We would like to hear from you, whether you are an individual horse owner or represent a business.  

The results of this survey will help in developing a project proposal for reviewing current and future skills standards and qualifications. Please help us find out! By clicking on this Survey Link to take this 5-minute survey.   

Want to know more? Please contact Diana at Skills Impact on diana@skillsimpact.com.au or follow the journey of this project by subscribing to our animal care news updates here: https://analytics-au.clickdimensions.com/cn/azujm/subscribe

About Skills Impact - a not-for-profit, industry-owned organisation that works across Australia to benchmark learning and skills standards for industry. Through our work, learners and workplaces have access to nationally consistent skills standards and qualifications, supporting greater employment opportunities and industry competitiveness. 

AHIC commends Queensland Government Inquiry following 7.30 expose.

The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) commends the Queensland Government for their announcement this week of an inquiry into the regulation and oversight of retired racehorses and the operation of facilities accepting horses to process for slaughter. 

The Board of the AHIC condemns the mistreatment of former racehorses exposed by the 7.30 program on ABC TV. Prior to being put down, no breed of horse, pony, donkey or mule deserves such appalling treatment.  

If an individual horse is no longer sound, becomes un-reproductive, dangerous to be handled or incapable of re-training, finding a “for life” home is very difficult.  Horses with such caveats upon their existence deserve a humane end. 

The AHIC calls on all State Governments to implement a review of the oversight and adherence to animal welfare protocols at all horse abattoirs and knackeries in Australia. 

Mark Burnell, President of the AHIC said “This goes beyond the welfare protection of just racehorses, but extends to the Australian horse population as not only do racehorses end up being processed in abattoirs and knackeries but all breeds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules as well. Horse owners need to have confidence that their horses will be treated humanely and professionally should they need to send them to such a facility” 

Additionally, the AHIC calls for greater implementation and oversight of the existing National Animal Transport regulations. They cover age of animals travelling, access to water and types of transport used. 

The AHIC has been a proactive participant in the Senate Inquiry into the Feasibility of a National Horse Traceability Register and awaits with interest the Senate committees report due in December 2019. 

The AHIC will be discussing the horse register and the broader subject at our upcoming Industry Advisory Committee meeting on 29 November 2019 which will see representation from a broad range of equine organisations.