Media Statement

3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, Western Australia 6151

Tel: (08) 9368 3333 Fax: (08) 9474 2018

www.agric.wa.gov.au

2 November 2007

INFORMATION SESSIONS ON EQUINE INFLUENZA FOR THE REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

The Department of Agriculture and Food, in conjunction with the WA Horse Industry will be hosting a series of public information sessions on equine influenza in regional areas in November.

Department director of animal biosecurity Ashley Mercy said the sessions were aimed at both horse owners and others involved in the industry to provide an update on the management of equine influenza in Western Australia.

“The topics that will be covered include signs of equine influenza, how to prevent the spread of disease, what would happen if EI was detected in WA and what the industry can do to keep EI out of the State,” he said.

“Western Australia currently has strict biosecurity protocols in place for the movement of horses, horse tack and semen into the State.

“However, each person travelling into Western Australia must also take responsibility for ensuring they do not inadvertently bring the virus in.

“This is as simple as showering after being in contact with a horse, disinfecting footwear, horse gear, equipment and vehicles and changing and washing clothing.”

Dr Mercy said horse owners should limit unnecessary contact between their horses, visitors and other horses.

“The Department has also been working closely with the horse industry to ensure all horse event organises have clear and strict biosecurity protocols in place.”

Department district veterinary officers will be presenting at the meetings on the following dates, times and venues.

Place	Venue	Date	Time	RSVP
Brigadoon	State Equestrian Centre Cathedral Ave	Monday 12 November	7 pm	1800 084 881
Bunbury	DAFWA Office Verschuer Place	Monday 12 November	7 pm	9780 6100
Gidgegannup	Gidgegannup Hall Toodyay Rd	Monday 12 November	7 pm	1800 084 881
Narrogin	DAFWA Office 10 Doney St	Monday 12 November	7 pm	9881 0222
Coolup	Coolup Hall Murray St	Tuesday 13 November	7 pm	9733 7777
Cowaramup	Cowaramup District Social Club Memorial Dr	Tuesday 13 November	7 pm	9753 0333
Katanning	DAFWA Office 10 Dore St	Tuesday 13 November	7 pm	9821 3333
Bridgetown	Junior Farmer’s Hall, Show Grounds, Peninsular Rd	Wednesday 14 November	7 pm	9777 0000
Kalgoorlie	DAFWA Office 55 McDonald St	Wednesday 14 November	7 pm	9088 6033
Moora	Moora Equestrian Park Dandaragan St	Wednesday 14 November	6:30 pm	9651 0555
Serpentine-Jarrahdale	Eric Senior Pavilion Serpentine Horse and Pony Club Karnup Rd	Wednesday 14 November	7 pm	1800 084 881
Northam	DAFWA Office Lot 12 York Rd	Thursday 15 November	7 pm	9690 2000
Albany	DAFWA 444 Albany Highway	Monday 19 November	7 pm	9892 8444
Geraldton	DAFWA Office 20 Gregory St	Tuesday 20 November	7 pm	9956 8555
Esperance	Esperance Bay Yacht Club The Esplanade	Wednesday 21 November	7 pm	9083 1111
Kellerberrin	Cuolahan Pavilion Hinkley St	Wednesday 21 November	7 pm	9081 3111

For more information on the information sessions please contact the Department’s Don Moir (9881 0222) or Kate Ambrose (9368 3650).

Equine influenza is a notifiable disease. Horses displaying symptoms must be reported to a local veterinarian or to the emergency animal disease hotline 1800 675 888.

Further information on equine influenza can be found at the Department’s website www.agric.wa.gov.au

Media Contacts

Katrina Bonser/Lisa Bertram, media liaison, 9368 3325/9368 3937

Ashley Mercy, director of animal biosecurity, 9368 3342