Agriculture staff helping eastern States with horse flu control

11/9/07
Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance today announced Western Australia is assisting New South Wales and Queensland with the management of equine influenza by providing staff to help in disease control centres.
Mr Chance said Department of Agriculture and Food WA staff was assisting colleagues in the two States as part of national support arrangements.
"Eight Department staff including veterinary, field, technical and biosecurity officers have been, or are currently, in NSW and Queensland for short periods assisting with disease control," Mr Chance said.
"The staff is providing support for operational activities including tracing activities and data entry, planning, veterinary investigations and laboratory services.
"By providing our staff expertise to the eastern States, we are continuing to work to contain the disease and minimise its impact on the horse industries and communities."
Mr Chance said the department would continue to send staff as requested, within its own capacity to do so.
"It also provides a long term benefit to the department, with the experience of working in the disease control situation improving the skills of their staff to deal with future emergencies in WA," he said.
Mr Chance said the department was also continuing to work closely with the horse industry to implement good biosecurity protocols and practices at all equine events in WA.
"WA's borders remain closed to all equines' fresh semen and used gear from other States," he said.
"Anyone wanting to move horses out of WA should check with the State or Territory of destination regarding their requirements."
Equine influenza is a notifiable disease. Horses displaying symptoms must be reported to a local veterinarian or to the emergency animal disease hotline 1800 675 888.
Further information on equine influenza is available from the Department's website http://www.agric.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 9213 6700