During the last weekend of August, 2007, horse owners throughout NSW were alerted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries of an outbreak of Equine Influenza that had allegedly breached the quarantine station at the AQIS Eastern Creek NSW Quarantine facility. 

We all know the story quite well by now and many of us, myself included, have seen the devastation first hand that this virus has unwittingly cast over the equestrian population throughout the Eastern seaboard of Australia. 

Although the number of infected properties has significantly reduced over the past four weeks, many horses continue to suffer from EI.  A small percentage of fatalities have resulted.  The equestrian industry and in particular small business and organisations have suffered considerably and continue to suffer.  Farriers, horse chiropractors, dentists, massage therapists, the local rug repair shop just to name a few, are totally reliant on the income from these businesses to make a living.  How can a living be made if they are unable to work for fear of spreading this virus and as a direct result of restrictions placed upon them.  This is not just a virus, it is also a social disease.

The Horses in Drought Incorporated Committee made the decision following the initial outbreak that a self imposed standstill of all movement of feed and horses would be initiated.  This standstill was to ensure that we complied will all regulations set by the Department of Primary Industries in assisting with eradication of EI.

While movement bans were in place, there was not a whole lot we could do, except to sit and wait it out.  Once the DPI zonings were in place, this allowed us a small amount of breathing space to once again be able to distribute much needed feed to areas covered by the "Green Zone".  We still faced the unenviable task of seeking permits to move horses to temporary homes.  Unfortunately, the majority of temporary homes we had ready and waiting (six horses) were right in the middle of the Purple or the Red Zones, so movement of these horses was not possible, nor practical.

With extensions to the Green Zone over the last two weeks of December, 2007, we anticipate that from the new year, we will re-commence movement of some horses to temporary homes within the Green Zone.  This will be carried out under strict decontamination procedures in line with DPI protocol. 

As an organisation, we are committed to the total eradication of EI.  We will continue to keep our members and supporters up to date on this issue and trust that you will join us in following bio-security measures to assist in protecting the safety of our horses and our industry.

EI Fact Sheet