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Today, as Canberra gears up for 2008 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show, the ACT was declared a "White" horse flu free zone by the ACT Chief Minister, Mr Stanhope.
The Equine Influenza outbreak galvanised people and there are calls to make sure that the impact of the quarantine is long lasting.
Horse lovers will see no horses or horse equipment at the 2008 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show to be held from 22-24 February 2008.
Last December, G. Cannock, CEO, Royal National Capital Agricultural Society (RNCAS) and N. Austin, Chief Horse Steward, sent a letter to horse exhibitors advising of the cancellation of horse events at the 2008 ACTewAGL Royal Canberra Show, due to Equine Influenza. Close to 6,000 entry and membership fees needed to be refunded.
"We need to act responsibly. We can defeat this virus and rid it from Australia forever. According to current predictions that should be around May, June 2008."
In a press release issued today by the ACT Government, the Chief Minister said,
“I applaud horse owners and industry professionals for their efforts to keep EI out of the ACT. It is through their efforts that the ACT has been able to remain EI free.
“Horse events in the ACT are slowly restarting with harness racing open meetings at EPIC and pony club and dressage competitions also back on the agenda. I look forward to even more horse events recommencing and our clubs continuing to build their event program.
“It is through the diligence and compliance with restrictions displayed by all involved that has enabled these events to be reintroduced.
The movement requirements in the ACT are:
* Recreational Horse Riding within the ACT, riders do not require an Equine Movement Statement.
* Transporting or moving a horse by vehicle within the ACT still requires an Equine Movement Statement.
* If you are going to attend a registered event either leading, riding or transporting a horse by vehicle you will still require an Equine Movement Statement.
There are now five defined zones with differing levels of controls on the movement of equines in operation in NSW and the ACT:
* The Restricted (red/purple) zones – are currently in operation in NSW and QLD only
* The Control (amber) zone – is currently in operation in NSW and QLD only
* The Protected (green) zone – all previous green zones are now white, and in the future, the Amber, Red and Purple areas will move to Green as EI cases reduce.
* The Disease Free (White) zone – now operating in the ACT, NSW and QLD
Mr Stanhope reminded horse and donkey owners that while the NSW EI situation continues to contract we still need to be vigilant in the ACT and maintain high levels of biosecurity.
“While the ACT remains free of EI, horse owners and other people dealing with horses have an ongoing obligation to continue to look for any sign of equine influenza and report any suspected clinical signs of infection to the Hotline on 1800 675 888,” Mr Stanhope said.
Mr Stanhope strongly recommended that people in contact with horses continue to undertake bio-security measures before and after contacting horses.
To apply for an Equine Movement Statement or register an event, call the TAMS Local Disease Control Centre on 6207 8705.
For more information visit www.outbreak.gov.au or http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/equine_influenza
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