News & Media

18 October 2007 Equine Influenza - Outcomes from the Second Meeting of the WAEIIG

The second meeting of the WA Equine Influenza Industry Group (WAEIIG) was held last evening 17th October 2007.

Attendees were:

Mr Dan Mossenson, Chairman (Lavan Legal), Mr Richard Burt, CEO RWWA, Mr Rob Delane Deputy Director General Biosecurity & Research DAFWA, Dr Ashley Mercy, Director Animal Biosecurity, Mr Robert Pearson, RWWA Board Member representing Thoroughbred Racing Industry, Mr Ross Cooper, RWWA Board Member representing Harness Racing Industry, Dr Warwick Vale, Equestrian Federation of Australia, Ms Diane Bennit, WA Horse Council, Mr Jon Nichols, Observer for Minister for Racing & Gaming, Dr Judith Medd, RWWA Racing Industry Veterinarian (Guest).

Key Issues Discussed:

• Contingency Planning for each group.
• Current Strategy of the Eradication and Containment Policy.
• Vaccination issues.
• Review of current protocols of importing horses from interstate into WA.
• Communications strategies to industry and wider public.

Outcomes from the Meeting Were:

• Each group would review the various Contingency Plans and provide feedback before the next meeting.
• Whilst the Eradication and Containment Policy was accepted nationally, the Group resolved to request from the National Management Group "the cost benefit analysis on the containment and eradication program to date and any other further analysis to assist with further Equine Influenza Strategies." It was acknowledged that the cost benefit analysis has not been released by the NMG to date after requests from the various industry stakeholders
• It is understood trace horses to be vaccinated.
• The group endorsed the current protocols for the importation / movement of horses from interstate.
• Richard Burt (CEO RWWA) would act as the spoke person for the group and all media inquiries channelled through him.
• It was widely accepted that a significant media campaign to communicate the threat of Equine Influenza to the Equine Industry and wider public throughout WA is required.

It should be noted that people are the greatest potential source of the risk of the disease coming into the Western Australian.

The next meeting of the group is proposed for Monday 29th October.

For more information contact:

Mr Richard Burt
Chief Executive Officer

Media Contact:
Drew Mazalevskis
Ph: 9445 5184