Future Equine Influenza plan must cover all bases
Horse industry representatives and Government officials attending the Equine Influenza Summit in Sydney today will explore options for future eradication, prevention and management measures for horse flu, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.
"Our plan for equine influenza must cover all bases and consider the best options for tackling EI, including vaccine, should we witness another outbreak," Minister Macdonald said.
"We have seen first hand that one chink in the armour is all that's needed for this highly contagious disease to take hold and cause insurmountable damage.
"Today's summit is about devising a plan that protects our horse industries and horse owners and minimises the risk or impact of a repeat event.
"The NSW Government spent more than $50 million on its control and eradication campaign, vaccinated approximately 50,000 horses and implemented a four colour zoning system to free-up movements and allow the breeding season to continue."
Minister Macdonald said the EI Summit provided an opportunity for industry and Government to continue its strong partnership that was formed during the EI outbreak.
"Following the summit I expect a high level working group to be formed to further consider the options raised today," Minister Macdonald said.
"The working group will need to include a cross section of government and industry, vets and others to ensure it gets the whole picture and is completely informed.
"It is particularly important that this group consider the pros and cons of vaccination in the future, including economic impacts.
"I expect that this group will report back to Primary Industries Ministerial Council by March next year."
