DPI&F Biosecurity Queensland

Equine Influenza Update

Issue No. 6 - Friday 31 August 2007

Queenslanders are reminded by Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) that the state-wide equine standstill remains in place in Queensland.

For information on movement restrictions within Queensland, or to or from Queensland, please visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au.

Horses from NSW

DPI&F is urging anyone with information about horses bought to Queensland from NSW since 08 August to contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.

This is particularly important if horses left NSW between 14 August and 26 August.

Biosecurity Queensland in DPI&F has already undertaken an extensive tracing program but is now double checking to see if any animals have been missed.

DPI&F working in partnership with racing industry

Biosecurity Queensland today announced negotiations are underway for a possible resumption of racing within Queensland.

Very tight biosecurity provisions would have to be met. One of the conditions that would apply is that no public be able to attend the races.

Biosecurity Queensland's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ron Glanville said "We are very aware of the impacts being felt by the industry and we understand that many people rely on the industry for their livelihoods, but we cannot and will not allow anything to compromise the quarantine conditions."

Level 5 Water Restrictions and Equine Influenza

Queensland Water Commission advise water restrictions do not apply to reasonable actions taken to prevent material risks associated with a hazard to health. This applies to the current outbreak of Equine Influenza.

DPI&F Field Staff continue to deliver safety message to high risk areas

DPI&F field staff will continue to deliver 'Stop the Spread' community information to residents in areas neighbouring affected premises.

The practical information delivered by officers is designed to raise community awareness for everybody, not just horse owners and users. Equine Influenza has an affect on the whole community and it is a concern for everybody.

Thank-you for reporting suspicious symptoms

Biosecurity Queensland is busy undertaking trace backs and following up reports of horses with suspicious symptoms. Thank-you to everyone for your vigilance in reporting these suspected cases. Please continue to contact the DPI&F Call Centre on 13 25 23.