The following are some simple answers to questions you may be asked. This document can be used as guide in dealing with questions you may be asked, or can even be printed off and provided to people if required.
Equine Influenza (EI) is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease which can cause rapidly spreading outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses, donkeys, mules and other equine species.
The virus is usually spread by:
Transmission of EI virus to humans has not occurred during outbreaks of EI in horses.
Equine influenza poses no threat to people, however it can be spread from people to horses via infected clothing.
The main clinical signs of EI are usually a sudden increase in temperature (to between 39°C and 41°C); a deep, dry, hacking cough; and a watery nasal discharge, which may later become thick and smelly.
Other signs can include depression, loss of appetite, laboured breathing, and muscle pain and stiffness.
Few adult horses die of the disease but it can kill young foals. Recovery usually occurs after a couple of weeks but horses need to be rested for a further period to avoid complications.
The interstate border has been closed to all entering horses until further notice. Horses can still leave the State but will be subject to this restriction if they wish to return.
Before entering or leaving any premises holding horses, horse owners or handlers should:
Arrange whenever possible for collection and delivery of supplies to take place at the boundary of the premises.
No, although access to properties should be minimised.
Where visits do take place ensure appropriate disinfection occurs by the property owner and the visitor.
Equine influenza virus can easily be killed by vigorous cleaning and disinfection of potentially contaminated hands, clothing and objects and is rapidly inactivated by exposure to ultraviolet light.
A dirty surface must always be cleaned thoroughly before it can be satisfactorily disinfected. Organic material such as dirt, manure and straw may neutralise the disinfectant and make it useless.
It is therefore most important that anything that must be disinfected is first thoroughly washed and cleaned and finally washed down or sprayed with an approved disinfectant.
Bleach, diluted as per the manufacturer's recommendation, or Virkon® is a suitable disinfectant.
As disinfectants and chemicals can be irritant, persons handling them should always read the product label and follow the manufacturer's instructions, and wear protective clothing as necessary.
Contaminated materials from stables can be disposed of by burning (where approved), by burial or by composting. The EI virus does not survive long in the environment.
EI would have a major impact on livestock health and on the horse industry if it were to become established in the horse population. All horses will be permanently at risk of infection with subsequent impacts on competitive and domestic activities. The disease has previously been exotic to Australia.
All infected properties are placed in quarantine to ensure that the affected animals do not move and the disease does not spread. Quarantines is maintained until at least 30 days after the last signs were seen in affected horses.
Horses are not killed. Infected horses or donkeys are quarantined in order to prevent spread of the disease.
The primary spread of equine influenza is by contact between infected horses. In order to ensure spread does not occur horse movements and events may be prohibited.
Emergency EI Disease Hotline 1800 675 888 (24 hour)
