 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Director Post Border, Peter Thomson, said MAFBNZ was in the process of contacting the owners with the good news. "There is currently no evidence of equine influenza in New Zealand. All imported horses have been visited by a veterinarian and examined as part of the blood sampling process. No clinical signs of equine influenza have been found and test results have confirmed no disease is present."
MAFBNZ, however, is asking horse owners to remain vigilant for signs of the disease. Anyone who suspects their horse may be showing symptoms of equine influenza should isolate the horse from other animals and contact their vet immediately or phone the MAFBNZ emergency hotline 0800 80 99 66.
The suspension of horse imports from Australia remains in place until further notice.
MAFBNZ staff will continue increased passengers checks at the border and the cleaning and disinfection of all horse equipment arriving in New Zealand from Australia. "It is too soon to say when the suspension of horse imports from Australia will be lifted," Mr Thomson said. "The situation is Australia is still unfolding. We will not be in a position to lift the suspension of horse imports until such a time as the Australian Government can give us an assurance that any movements do not present a biosecurity risk".
At 6:00pm, 3 September 2007 in Australia, there were 128 infected premises, 238 dangerous contact premises and 129 suspect premises. Together, these properties contain 3810 horses. A further 2263 horses from 336 properties have been identified through tracing activities and are yet to be fully assessed.
An Order cancelling all public horse sales, horse shows and other horse events within NSW was extended until 10 September 2007. This date may change again in the future.
The control program is on target for eradication of the disease, but success depends on the continuing cooperation of horse owners in obeying movement restrictions and following good hygiene practice when moving between properties where horses are kept.