SAMPLES FROM QUEENSLAND EN ROUTE TO NATIONAL LABORATORY
Published Sunday, 26 August, 2007 at 12:00 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
The Queensland Government jet is this morning rushing samples from three New South Wales horses competing at an event in Queensland to the national laboratory in Geelong to ascertain whether they have equine influenza.
“Samples from the horses have tested positive using a generic test for Influenza A,’’ Premier Peter Beattie said this morning.
“Time is of the essence, even more so now that it is suspected that equine influenza may have been detected in Queensland,’’ Mr Beattie said.
“Quarantine arrangements are in place at the event at Warwick and the organizing committee has made a decision to suspend competition.
“The 72-hour national standstill remains in place.
“The national situation is being carefully monitored and if further tough decisions, including further and longer restriction need to be put in place then they will to ensure the long-term future of the horse industry.’’
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said a private veterinarian officiating at the three-day event at Warwick advised that a number of horses from NSW were exhibiting respiratory symptoms.
A Biosecurity Queensland veterinary officer was despatched to inspect the horses in consultation with the on-course veterinarian.
“A number of horses from NSW were examined and sampled.
“Based on the presenting clinical signs, a quarantine notice was issued effectively stopping the movement of around 300 horses.’’
Biosecurity Inspectors and officers from the Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Service (SARCIS) are controlling the site.
Tracing on horses present at the event with links to NSW is continuing.
Mr Beattie said Cabinet would be fully briefed by Mr Mulherin and Minister for Racing Andrew Fraser tomorrow (Monday) morning.
Initial results from the Australian Animal Health Laboratory at Geelong are expected by tomorrow. Definitive results may take a few days.
“We have acted swiftly and responsibly,’’ Mr Beattie said.
“While I realise that there is some short-term pain involved for those in the equine industry, hopefully what we are doing now will prevent the disease from spreading and protect the long-term future of the industry.’’
Industry is being fully briefed on the situation.
Further is available from the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 132523 or at www.dpi.qld.gov.au
26 August, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Minister’s Office: David Potter 0409 305662
“Samples from the horses have tested positive using a generic test for Influenza A,’’ Premier Peter Beattie said this morning.
“Time is of the essence, even more so now that it is suspected that equine influenza may have been detected in Queensland,’’ Mr Beattie said.
“Quarantine arrangements are in place at the event at Warwick and the organizing committee has made a decision to suspend competition.
“The 72-hour national standstill remains in place.
“The national situation is being carefully monitored and if further tough decisions, including further and longer restriction need to be put in place then they will to ensure the long-term future of the horse industry.’’
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said a private veterinarian officiating at the three-day event at Warwick advised that a number of horses from NSW were exhibiting respiratory symptoms.
A Biosecurity Queensland veterinary officer was despatched to inspect the horses in consultation with the on-course veterinarian.
“A number of horses from NSW were examined and sampled.
“Based on the presenting clinical signs, a quarantine notice was issued effectively stopping the movement of around 300 horses.’’
Biosecurity Inspectors and officers from the Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Service (SARCIS) are controlling the site.
Tracing on horses present at the event with links to NSW is continuing.
Mr Beattie said Cabinet would be fully briefed by Mr Mulherin and Minister for Racing Andrew Fraser tomorrow (Monday) morning.
Initial results from the Australian Animal Health Laboratory at Geelong are expected by tomorrow. Definitive results may take a few days.
“We have acted swiftly and responsibly,’’ Mr Beattie said.
“While I realise that there is some short-term pain involved for those in the equine industry, hopefully what we are doing now will prevent the disease from spreading and protect the long-term future of the industry.’’
Industry is being fully briefed on the situation.
Further is available from the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 132523 or at www.dpi.qld.gov.au
26 August, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Minister’s Office: David Potter 0409 305662