The role of the WAEIIG, being chaired by Dan Mossenson (Lavan Legal), is to provide strategic advice to protect the WA horse industry from EI, develop risk minimisation strategies consistent with the nationally agreed response and communicate effectively with all horse industry stakeholders, the general public and the State Government.
Other members of the group include Richard Burt (RWWA), Rob Delane (Department of Agriculture and Food WA), Ashley Mercy (Department of Agriculture and Food WA), Bob Pearson (Representing Thoroughbred Racing Industry), Ross Cooper (Representing Harness Racing Industry), Diane Bennit (WA Horse Council), Warwick Vale (Equestrian Federation) and Jon Nichols (observing for Minister for Racing & Gaming)
Should equine influenza emerge in a non-infected State (Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania or the Northern Territory), that Western Australian will close its border to that State.
The greatest risk of an equine influenza entering Western Australia is believed to be via people, therefore it is critical that strict biosecurity protocols are followed by everyone dealing with horses.
