CARE NEEDED TO ENSURE HORSE FLU IS CONTAINED
Published Tuesday, 28 August, 2007 at 05:19 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
With the horse standstill across Queensland working well, the biggest threat of passing on the equine influenza virus between horses is now people.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the Warwick Morgan Park Recreational Grounds, a property at Minden and the Helidon Spray Station are all under quarantine, although tests from horses at the Helidon site had come back negative.
Mr Mulherin today travelled to Warwick with Premier Peter Beattie.
“The horse standstill in Queensland is indefinite while the national stand still would be reviewed this Friday,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Of course the standstill only applies to horses and donkeys not people, which means everyone has to follow some common sense rules to avoid spreading the virus further.
“While there is no risk to human health from equine influenza, it is essential that people who are exposed to horses or who have regular contact with horses should shower and change into clean clothing and footwear before coming into contact with any other horses.
“This applies in particular to farriers, equine dentists and chiropracters, horse strappers, vets and other animal carers.
“Where possible, they should avoid all contact with other horses on other farms or stables, and horse equipment must not be moved between farms or shared among other horses.”
“Equine flu is generally not fatal to horses and destruction of horses is not part of the current control program,” he said.
Queensland owners or carers who suspect their horse may be showing signs of respiratory illness should call their veterinary surgeon or the Disease Watch Hotline number 1800 675 888.
The latest information about the disease or the quarantine restrictions are available on the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call DPI&F on 13 25 23.
A national call centre has been established to provide general information to horse owners. The number is 1800 234 002.
Website information is also available at www.outbreak.gov.au
Biosecurity measures:
People such as farriers, equine dentists and chiropracters, horse strappers, vets and other animal carers should:
• avoid moving between horses at different locations unless absolutely necessary.
After coming into contact with a horse:
• disinfect all equipment used
• shower, wash your hair and change into fresh clothing
• disinfect footwear.
Movement restrictions:
Under the standstill, no horses of any type, including pets, riding club horses, show animals, donkeys or zebras are allowed to be moved.
Owners can:
• ride a horse within the boundaries of a property where they are currently located and should not come into contact with horses from other farms or stables.
Owners cannot:
• ride a horse to another property
• ride alongside roadsides
• ride within national parks or other recreation areas.
Horses being used for droving cattle on stock routes or roads in remote areas will require a permit. Contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
In emergency situations, a permit may be issued on application for the movement of a horse. For further information contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Media: 32396530
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the Warwick Morgan Park Recreational Grounds, a property at Minden and the Helidon Spray Station are all under quarantine, although tests from horses at the Helidon site had come back negative.
Mr Mulherin today travelled to Warwick with Premier Peter Beattie.
“The horse standstill in Queensland is indefinite while the national stand still would be reviewed this Friday,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Of course the standstill only applies to horses and donkeys not people, which means everyone has to follow some common sense rules to avoid spreading the virus further.
“While there is no risk to human health from equine influenza, it is essential that people who are exposed to horses or who have regular contact with horses should shower and change into clean clothing and footwear before coming into contact with any other horses.
“This applies in particular to farriers, equine dentists and chiropracters, horse strappers, vets and other animal carers.
“Where possible, they should avoid all contact with other horses on other farms or stables, and horse equipment must not be moved between farms or shared among other horses.”
“Equine flu is generally not fatal to horses and destruction of horses is not part of the current control program,” he said.
Queensland owners or carers who suspect their horse may be showing signs of respiratory illness should call their veterinary surgeon or the Disease Watch Hotline number 1800 675 888.
The latest information about the disease or the quarantine restrictions are available on the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call DPI&F on 13 25 23.
A national call centre has been established to provide general information to horse owners. The number is 1800 234 002.
Website information is also available at www.outbreak.gov.au
Biosecurity measures:
People such as farriers, equine dentists and chiropracters, horse strappers, vets and other animal carers should:
• avoid moving between horses at different locations unless absolutely necessary.
After coming into contact with a horse:
• disinfect all equipment used
• shower, wash your hair and change into fresh clothing
• disinfect footwear.
Movement restrictions:
Under the standstill, no horses of any type, including pets, riding club horses, show animals, donkeys or zebras are allowed to be moved.
Owners can:
• ride a horse within the boundaries of a property where they are currently located and should not come into contact with horses from other farms or stables.
Owners cannot:
• ride a horse to another property
• ride alongside roadsides
• ride within national parks or other recreation areas.
Horses being used for droving cattle on stock routes or roads in remote areas will require a permit. Contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
In emergency situations, a permit may be issued on application for the movement of a horse. For further information contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Media: 32396530