Western Australian Update
EQUINE INFLUENZA

Media Release from the Department of Agriculture and Food
Government of Western Australia 7/9/07

Western Australia’s horse industries have worked with the Department of Agriculture and Food and to develop comprehensive biosecurity measures for all equine events to combat the threat of equine influenza.

WA Horse Council President Diane Bennit said the biosecurity measures would be a minimum standard for horse shows and events in Western Australia.
Organisations such as the Equestrian Federation of Australia and Racing and Wagering WA could have additional requirements.

Department Director of Animal Biosecurity Ashley Mercy said equine influenza had not been found in WA but urged the State’s horse industries to remain on high alert.
“The equine influenza virus can survive on skin, fabrics and the surface of contaminated equipment for up to 48 hours,” Dr Mercy said.

“Although it is a highly contagious virus, it can be killed by cleaning and disinfection with common disinfectants.

“Good biosecurity practices can prevent the virus being transferred from infected horses, contaminated tack, equipment or people.”

Ms Bennit said equine event organisers would take a general ‘clean-on and clean-off’ approach for horses and personnel coming to and leaving events.

They would also appoint an Animal Health Steward to record the details of all horses attending events and supervise health inspections. A veterinarian would be on-call to inspect any horses as needed.

“Event organisers may require a declaration from all participants, as a condition of entry, that their horse is healthy and that their equipment, clothing and transport vehicles have been cleaned and disinfected before travelling to the event,” Ms Bennit said.

“The declaration would also include ownership and property details, as well as a statement that each horse has been eating normally and has not shown any signs of respiratory disease during the three days leading up to the event.”

Ms Bennit said horse owners should clean and disinfect all horse equipment and transport vehicles on returning home, and continue to monitor the health of their horses.
“We also recommend having a thorough shower, washing and changing clothes before resuming contact with other horses.”

Details of the biosecurity protocols for horse events can be obtained from the WA Horse Council website at www.hoofbeats.com.au/WAHorse/index.html or from the Department of Agriculture and Food at www.agric.wa.gov.au

Media contacts: Diane Bennit, WA Horse Council, 9291 0202
Lisa Bertram, media liaison, 9368 3325

Media Statement from the Department of Agriculture and Food
Government of Western Australia
3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, Western Australia 6151
Tel: (08) 9368 3333 Fax: (08) 9474 2018
www.agric.wa.gov.au Biosecurity for WA horse events