Biosecurity procedures for WA horse events as endorsed by WA Horse Council.

UPDATED 25/10/07
Prepared by veterinarians from the recreational horse industry, Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RRWA), and the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) in consultation with the
WA Horse Council

The risks
1. Infected horses, contaminated tack, equipment and personnel can transfer equine influenza virus between premises.

2. Equine Influenza virus can survive on skin, fabrics and the surface of contaminated equipment for up to 48 hours.

3. The equine influenza virus is easily killed by cleaning and disinfection.

4. Organic material such as dirt, manure and straw may neutralise disinfectant and make it useless.

5. If the virus is introduced to the State, then horses at events have the potential to allow the spread of virus. Horse events act as multipliers for the spread of this disease should an outbreak occur.

6. Biosecurity procedures will mitigate the risk of spread of contagious diseases such as Equine Influenza.

Biosecurity principles
1. Maintain tracing details of horses coming to and leaving events
.
2. In general terms apply a "clean-on and clean-off" approach.

3. Interstate personnel and equipment should not have had contact with horses in eastern Australia for at least 48 hours, shower (including washing their hair) and wear clean clothes before any contact with WA horses.

General application
The following guidelines are intended to be used as a minimum standard for all horse events in Western Australia. Individual organisations or associations (such as the Equestrian Federation of Australia or Racing and Wagering Western Australia) may require additional procedures (such as recording body temperature) as a condition of entry to an event.

Event organisers should consider their affiliations and options when deciding on the procedures to be adopted.
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