General information for competitors participating at horse events 7/9/07

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

Owners, competitors and persons in charge of horses need to regularly monitor and be aware of the health status of their horse to ensure that they do not bring to an event a sick horse. In addition to those elements
listed below that they need to be prepared should the event organisers require you to sign a declaration and abide by the direction of the Events Horse Health Official.

As the State of WA remains on high alert for Equine Influenza, ensure that any visitors from the eastern States that may have been in contact with horses within the previous 48 hours should not handle your horses.

Horse events have the potential to hasten the spread of diseases, so don’t take a horse with any signs of “a cold” to any event.

Knowledge of Health of the Horse prior to the event

The owner, competitor or person in charge of bringing a horse to an event must be able to complete the declaration stating that the horse is well and has been so for at least the last 3 days. To assess this one needs to be aware and observe that:

The horse has been eating normally.

Is free of a nasal discharge.

Does not have a cough.

Has a normal temperature of less that 38.5°C.

In addition, general animal welfare requirements should also be observed in relation to lameness, open wounds and fitness for purpose.

Owner responsibilities at the event

• Provide truthful and accurate information as required.

Carry out instructions as given by the Horse Health Official.

Do not share tack and equipment between horses.

Ensure each horse has their own water and feed bucket.

Do not use communal water troughs.

Minimise contact between horses.

Minimise contact between other people and your horse.

Do not allow horses to eat any other horse’s feed.

Take home any left over feed.

On return to the property

The person in charge of the horse(s) should:

• Clean and disinfect all horse equipment and the horse transport vehicle.

Have a thorough shower, including hair, and change clothes.

Continue to monitor the health of the horse(s).