Published Sunday, 10 February, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
EI Milestone reached while surveillance program fast-tracked
There are now no Equine Influenza infected properties in Queensland, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
“This is another major milestone in our on-going program to control and eradicate the disease,” Ms Bligh said.
“At the height of the virus outbreak, there were around 2200 infected properties. Despite this excellent progress, we cannot afford to be complacent. We must continue to follow good biosecurity practices but the signs now are very promising,” she said.
Ms Bligh said that during the next six weeks the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries would be conducting an intensive surveillance operation in a move aimed at accelerating Queensland towards being declared Equine Influenza free.
“A total of 1080 properties will be sampled throughout the Amber and Red Zones. This will be done at no cost to the owner.””
Queensland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ron Glanville said over 500 properties have already been contacted since Sunday.
“The surveillance team has a huge job to do over the coming weeks and we cannot do this alone.
“We ask that people be patient and cooperate with the DPI&F if they receive a phone call, and work in with the government appointed veterinarians who visit their property to conduct the surveillance testing.”
Dr Glanville said there have been no new cases of infection confirmed since Christmas Day.
“There are still some suspect status properties where horses may have previously shown flu-like symptoms but initial tests were negative. Final results test results on those properties must be received before absolute clearance.
“If people remain vigilant and continue to take the necessary precautions, there is a very strong possibility of Queensland being declared completely free of EI by June 2008,” he said.
“However to achieve this goal and to get things back to normal in the equine industry, there are certain criteria that must be met to claim freedom from disease, and this is the focus of current activities.
“The more surveillance that has been undertaken with negative results, the greater the confidence that eradication has been achieved. It’s expected this accelerated program of surveillance will be complete by March 14.”
Queensland’s Green Zone that covered most of the state reverted to a White Zone on February 1, with further zone changes expected this month. Surveillance is required to prove that infection is not present, thereby meeting the national requirements for zones to change status.
For further information, please visit the DPI&F website www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Media contact: Minister’s Office 3239 6530
“This is another major milestone in our on-going program to control and eradicate the disease,” Ms Bligh said.
“At the height of the virus outbreak, there were around 2200 infected properties. Despite this excellent progress, we cannot afford to be complacent. We must continue to follow good biosecurity practices but the signs now are very promising,” she said.
Ms Bligh said that during the next six weeks the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries would be conducting an intensive surveillance operation in a move aimed at accelerating Queensland towards being declared Equine Influenza free.
“A total of 1080 properties will be sampled throughout the Amber and Red Zones. This will be done at no cost to the owner.””
Queensland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ron Glanville said over 500 properties have already been contacted since Sunday.
“The surveillance team has a huge job to do over the coming weeks and we cannot do this alone.
“We ask that people be patient and cooperate with the DPI&F if they receive a phone call, and work in with the government appointed veterinarians who visit their property to conduct the surveillance testing.”
Dr Glanville said there have been no new cases of infection confirmed since Christmas Day.
“There are still some suspect status properties where horses may have previously shown flu-like symptoms but initial tests were negative. Final results test results on those properties must be received before absolute clearance.
“If people remain vigilant and continue to take the necessary precautions, there is a very strong possibility of Queensland being declared completely free of EI by June 2008,” he said.
“However to achieve this goal and to get things back to normal in the equine industry, there are certain criteria that must be met to claim freedom from disease, and this is the focus of current activities.
“The more surveillance that has been undertaken with negative results, the greater the confidence that eradication has been achieved. It’s expected this accelerated program of surveillance will be complete by March 14.”
Queensland’s Green Zone that covered most of the state reverted to a White Zone on February 1, with further zone changes expected this month. Surveillance is required to prove that infection is not present, thereby meeting the national requirements for zones to change status.
For further information, please visit the DPI&F website www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Media contact: Minister’s Office 3239 6530