Australian horses with flu

Niko · Aug 23, 2007

Horse flu action set to cost millions

August 23, 2007

Australia's horse breeding industry stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars due to a suspected case of equine influenza.

A thoroughbred stallion being held in quarantine at Eastern Creek in western Sydney is showing clinical signs consistent with horse flu.
All 52 thoroughbreds at the centre will remain in quarantine for 30 days as a result.

Another 27 horses in quarantine at Spotswood in Melbourne will also be held for 30 days because some of them travelled to Australia with the stallions at Eastern Creek.

Most of the horses were set to be taken to the upper Hunter region ahead of next week's thoroughbred breeding season.

The federal Agriculture Minister, Peter McGauran, says all of the animals will be held until they are cleared of equine influenza, a move which will be a major financial blow to the stud industry.

"Most of them would serve about five mares a day," he said.

"A number of these stallions are between $100,000 and $200,000 per serve, so you can quickly do the arithmetic and see that millions of dollars are being lost by these top stallions."

Mr McGauran says it is still unclear whether the affected stallion is from Japan, where an outbreak of equine flu is reported to have cost the country's racing industry $500,000.

He says testing of all the horses will continue, and warns the 30-day quarantine period will start again if other cases are found.
Industry chaos

The president of the Australian Equine Veterinarians Association (EVA) says all sectors of Australia's multi-billion-dollar horse industry would come to a standstill if horse flu took hold.

James Gilkerson says the seriousness of the situation in Australia cannot be downplayed.

"The horse industry in Australia is at least a $9 billion-dollar-a-year industry," he said.

"If we had an outbreak of equine influenza that spread in a couple of states in eastern Australia, you would shut down all racing, all standard-bred racing, all gymkhanas, pony clubs. All horse movements would be stopped."
The president of Australian Thoroughbred Breeders, John Messara, agrees that the cost to the industry could be immense.

"Those stallions that are caught in quarantine have books totalling about 4,000 to 5,000 mares," he said.

"If none of those were to be served and all those mares had to find Australian stallions at a lower fee, I think it would cost literally a couple of hundred million dollars."
'Highly contagious'

Dr Treve Williams from the Randwick Equine Centre is caring for the horses quarantined in Sydney.

He says an outbreak of the flu could devastate the thoroughbred racing industry.

"It's very highly contagious, with a very short incubation period of only between one and three days," he said.

"Unfortunately, one of the problems is that as horses recover, most of them lose form, so it has major potential, if it gets into a racing population, to produce havoc."

But Mr Gilkerson says the quarantining of the stallions proves the effectiveness of the system designed to prevent horse flu from entering Australia.

"We're one of two countries worldwide that doesn't have endemic equine flu," he said.

"The pre-export quarantine protocols and post-arrivals protocols that have been in place for a number of years have been very successful and EVA wholeheartedly supports it."

Japan's horse flu outbreak could affect entries for the Melbourne Cup this November.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/24/2013773.htm

Niko · Aug 24, 2007

Re: Racehorses suspected to have equine flu

Re: Racehorses suspected to have equine flu

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif] Strict Quarantine Policies Controlling Virus
by Esther Marr
Date Posted: August 23, 2007
Last Updated: August 23, 2007[/FONT] <table style="border-collapse: collapse;" align="left" border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="2" hspace="3" vspace="3" width="50"> <tbody><tr><td>

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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Veternarians in North America have commended Australian quarantine authorities for enforcing stringent quarantine measures to protect the country from an outbreak of equine influenza after a quarantined horse at Eastern Creek near Sydney showed clinical signs consistent with the disease.

All 52 horses at the Eastern Creek facility will remain quarantined for 30 days before they can be proven free of the virus. It is unknown whether any North American stallions that recently shipped to Australia are among them.

"Many of the horsemen (in North America) feel (Australia) does a great job, and I think as this has shown, they caught it in their quarantining facilities, and that's what you're supposed to do," said Dr. Robert Holland, a Kentucky veterinarian with a private practice and senior technical service veterinarian with Pfizer Animal Health. "If a horse gets sick, it's better to be in the quarantine facility. This has shown that their quarantine methods work."

Holland said the standard method for sending horses to Australia was to keep them in quarantine for two weeks before shuttling, and then another two weeks after the horses arrive in the country. Following that period, the horses are typically checked by a veterinarian and released.

"An additional 30 days (in quarantine) makes total sense (in this case)," said Holland. "(Australia) is a little bit more stringent because of the fact they have flu-free status."

Holland explained that equine influenza is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among susceptible horses. Two influenza viruses have been found in horse populations worldwide, except in Australia and New Zealand.

"(Australia) tends to hold onto a longer quarantine because they're being careful, and I think it's worked very well," said Holland. He said the flu incubation period is one to three days, with an infected horse typically shedding the virus for about eight days. "So you can see why they (quarantine) for 14 days; it's because they're splintering it out over the one to three days, and then obviously (infected horses) showed fevers by 14 days."

Holland said a horse usually recovers as quickly from the flu as a human would. There is concern, however, when stallions register extremely high fevers, as their sperm counts can be lowered for 30 to 60 days.

"I'm sure these stallions (in Australia) have been vaccinated," said Holland. "The vaccines are probably helping to protect them."

However, he said, equine influenza can sometimes change course, causing what is called an antigenic drift.

"If the flu has changed, then it?s a little bit more troublesome, and the immunity might not work as much," said Holland. "Right now, I'm not hearing anything about that in this outbreak."

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40409

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Treyfish · Aug 24, 2007

Aussie horses with flu

Aussie horses with flu

Flu fears curb Aussie breeding

<DL class=clear id=author><!--dt>

</dt--><DD><CITE>August 24, 2007</CITE> </DD></DL>
AUSTRALIA'S thoroughbred breeding season is facing a multi-million-dollar setback with dozens of valuable horses in quarantine because of a suspected case of equine influenza.
Fifty-two thoroughbreds have been quarantined in western Sydney for 30 days because one stallion in the group has shown clinical signs consistent with the highly contagious horse flu.
A further 27 horses are being held in isolation in Melbourne because some of them travelled to Australia with the first group.
Most of the horses were on their way to studs in the Hunter Valley north of Sydney ahead of the thoroughbred breeding season, which starts on September 1.
The minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran said all the animals would be held until they were cleared of equine influenza despite the fact this will cost the industry millions of dollars.
"Most of them would serve about five mares a day,'' he told public radio.
"A number of these stallions are between $100,000 and $200,000 per serve, so you can quickly do the arithmetic and see that millions of dollars are being lost.''
McGauran said tests on the quarantined horses would continue, and if any other cases were found the 30-day quarantine period would start again.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Association said the impact of the quarantine might not be too bad as long as it was not extended beyond the first month.
"If they are out in 30 days, it won't be too bad. But there are a lot of horses with big books and it will congest the breeding season into the last couple of months,'' association president John Messara said.
"It will be very disruptive to the industry, particularly for horses with very large books of mares.''
It is still unclear whether the affected stallion is from Japan, where an outbreak of the disease caused officials to cancel races at several tracks earlier this month.
The health scare resonates in Australia, where Japanese horses Delta Blues and Pop Rock, who came first and second in last year's Melbourne Cup respectively, are soon due to enter quarantine ahead of the November race.:tiphat: http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22300181-23210,00.html

Treyfish · Aug 24, 2007

Re: Racehorses suspected to have equine flu

Re: Racehorses suspected to have equine flu

Flu cripples Sydney races</HEADLINE>

<BYLINE><DATE>August 25, AUSTRALIA'S multi-billion-dollar horse racing industry is in meltdown with an outbreak of equine influenza spreading to Centennial Park, prompting the almost certain cancellation of today's meeting at Royal Randwick and casting a cloud over the spring carnival.
Racing officials announced early today that horses from the Centennial Park stables had returned positive tests to the highly contagious disease. This came within days of 52 horses being locked down at the Eastern Creek quarantine centre.
Most of those impounded at Eastern Creek are thoroughbred stallions worth about $500 million. They were due to begin serving some of the 30,000 mares registered in Australia when the breeding season starts on September 1.
The impact on the breeding program, combined with the effect on the racing calendar, would push the cost of a flu outbreak into the billions of dollars.
The first big casualty is today's feature meeting at Royal Randwick, which is next to Centennial Park. The meeting is set to be cancelled after racing officials meet at 6am today. No horses are allowed within five kilometres of the course.
"We will have to send security guards into Randwick to ensure none of the 600-odd horses stabled there are moved," said the chief executive of Racing NSW, Peter V'Landys.
The ramifications could be felt Australia-wide. The NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, met Mr V'Landys last night before the test results from the Centennial Park horses were known. The Herald understands the eminent veterinary professor Dave Hutchins had alerted Mr Macdonald's department yesterday to concerns about recreational horses at the stables.
Mr Macdonald immediately contacted the state's chief veterinary officer, Bruce Christie, who in turn sent a team to the stables to carry out tests.
Horses competing in the harness meeting at Harold Park last night were also tested, and their owners asked to place their animals in voluntary quarantine until they were notified of preliminary results.
The federal Agricultural Minister, Peter McGauran, said the suspected diagnosis of equine flu in a quarantined stallion was the biggest risk ever faced by the thoroughbred industry.
"A number of these stallions are between $100,000 and $200,000 per serve, so you can quickly do the arithmetic and see that millions of dollars are being lost. [But] it would be infinitesimal compared to the long-term effects if [the flu] was to escape into the wider horse population."
The stallion at the centre of the scare is believed to be Encosta De Lago, which is quarantined at Eastern Creek.
Encosta De Lago had been booked to service the three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva next month.
2007:tiphat: http://www.smh.com.au/news/horseracing/flu-cripples-sydney-races/2007/08/24/1187462524423.html

HenryN · Aug 24, 2007

Re: Aussie horses with flu

Re: Aussie horses with flu

EQUINE INFLUENZA, CONFIRMED - AUSTRALIA (EX JAPAN)
*********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: 24 Aug 2007
Source: TheAge.com.au [edited]
<http://www.theage.com.au/news/horse-racing/equine-flu-threatens-randwick/2007/08/25/1187462538406.html=20>

Equine flu threatens Randwick
---------------------------------
In a major escalation of the equine influenza situation, today's [24
Aug 2007] Randwick meeting is almost certain to be cancelled after
pleasure horses using nearby Centennial Park returned positive tests
to the highly contagious disease.

Before the test results were known, Racing NSW chief executive Peter
V'Landys had called a crisis meeting with head veterinarian Craig
Suann and chief steward Ray Murrihy to discuss whether the Randwick
races should go ahead. They were discussing various alternatives,
including not allowing Randwick-trained horses to compete today.
After the positive tests were revealed early today, it was expected
that the Randwick meeting would be cancelled when officials met at 6 am.

"We will have to send security guards into Randwick to ensure none of
the 600-odd horses stabled there are moved," V'Landys said.

In Melbourne last night [23 Aug 2007], Racing Victoria Ltd's chief
steward Des Gleeson contacted 3 Randwick trainers Bart Cummings,
Anthony Cummings and Tim Martin with runners at Moonee Valley today
and was assured that all those horses had been in Melbourne for at
least 3 weeks.

Bart Cummings has Caulfield Guineas winner Wonderful World resuming
in the McEwen Stakes, his son Anthony has Maslins Beach and Gawne in
the Sheahan Plate and Martin had Langborghini in the Tattersall's Handicap.

It is believed a person or persons who might have been looking after
horses at the Eastern Creek quarantine station outside Sydney also
could have been involved with one or more of the many ponies and
riding horses stabled at Centennial Park and also could have attended
horses stabled at Randwick.

The equine influenza virus cannot be contracted by humans but can be
easily spread via hands and clothing. The alarm was raised after
veterinary professor David Hutchins alerted NSW Minister for Primary
Industries Ian Macdonald, who sent a team headed by the Government's
chief vet Bruce Christie to take samples from the horses using Centennial Park.

Although there have been no reports of Randwick-trained horses
showing any signs of the virus, up to 10 of the horses stabled at
Centennial Park were showing signs of elevated temperatures and
respiratory infection consistent with the virus. The samples taken
from the horses were sent to laboratories at Menangle in NSW and
Geelong for testing and results were released early today.

It was revealed yesterday [23 Aug 2007] by the Australian Racing
Board that between 17 Aug and 20 Aug 2007, 2 horses coming from
Ireland and one from the US that were stabled close to a horse that
had traveled from Japan had the signs and another 3 horses
subsequently had developed nasal discharge and minor temperature
elevations. Further testing revealed that 1 of the initial 3 horses
tested had recent exposure to equine influenza.

The ARB said 13 horses arrived from Japan on 8 Aug with 4 going to
Eastern Creek and 9 to Spotswood quarantine station in Melbourne. As
of yesterday, none of the horses at Spotswood were showing signs of
the equine flu virus but further tests have been taken from all
horses at both facilities. Racing Victoria Ltd authorities last night
were monitoring the NSW situation but there is no suggestion that
Victorian racing will be affected at this stage.

The Deputy Premier and Racing Minister, Rob Hulls, yesterday [23 Aug
2007] said plans were in place to "effectively manage" any potential
outbreak of equine influenza in Victoria. Hulls said that in 2002,
the State Government and the racing industry developed an operational
plan, known as Horse Alert Victoria, to deal with such an emergency.
The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Peter McGauran, said yesterday
equine influenza potentially was the biggest risk faced by the
multibillion-dollar Australian thoroughbred and horse industry.

On 15 Aug 2007, equine influenza was detected at the Miho training
centre in Japan, a week after the shipment of 13 horses from Japan
arrived in Australia. By 22 Aug, a total of 447 horses at the Miho
and Ritto training centres were found to have the virus and the Japan
Racing Association immediately closed all its meetings, although
racing will resume in Japan at the weekend.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Joseph P. Dudley

[Equine influenza is a viral disease caused by viruses closely
related to those that cause flu in people. There are 2 subtypes of
influenza A virus known to cause influenza in horses; these are the
subtypes: H7N7 (formerly known as A/equine 1) and H3N8 (formerly
known as A/equine 2). Partially extracted from:
<http://195.224.162.216/equiflunet/equiflunet_faq.html>

It would be nice to know which type of influenza this particular
outbreak is dealing with. If there is someone with authoritative
knowledge we would be grateful for the information.

Although the virus designations are similar subtypes, this particular
virus does not affect humans. However, there is recent research that
it may be related to a strain of influenza found in canines.

The disease can spread rapidly through a herd or grouping of horses.
The primary signs are those of a cold, with coughing, hacking and a
mild nasal discharge. This easily aerosolizes the virus, potentially
infecting other animals.

Antibiotics may be used, but are only there to combat any
opportunistic bacteria that are secondary invaders, as antibiotics do
not have an effect on viruses. Sick horses may recover with adequate
nursing care and plenty of rest.

There are vaccines to prevent this disease.

A map of the New South Wales area of Australia may be seen at:
<http://www.map-of-australia.co.uk/maps/new-south-wales.gif>
- Mod.TG]

[see also:
Equine influenza - Japan: RFI (02) 20070824.2774
Equine influenza - Japan: RFI 20070820.2718
2006
----
Equine influenza - Chile 20060727.2077
2005
----
Equine influenza - vaccines: OIE recommendations, 2005 20050704.1890
2003
----
Influenza, vaccinated equines - UK (02) 20030417.0942]
....................tg/ejp/dk

Niko · Aug 24, 2007

Re: Aussie horses with flu

Re: Aussie horses with flu

other thread includes Japan and Australia

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32989&highlight=equine

Niko · Aug 25, 2007

Re: Aussie horses with flu

Re: Aussie horses with flu

Infected Horse Numbers Grow - Bans Extended

Saturday, 25 August 2007: The NSW Department of Primary Industries has revealed a total of 16 horses have now returned positive tests to contagious equine influenza and another six are showing signs of the virus.

Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said 11 of the infected horses are in lock down at Centennial Park stables near Randwick and the other five are in quarantine at Eastern Creek near Penrith.

At least six horses in contact with affected horses have been traced to locations at Nowra, Parkes and Maitland and are showing signs of the EI virus but tests have yet to confirm if they are infected.

"We do know that a number of horses have left Centennial Park and travelled to other parts interstate and are now suffering flu like systems," Macdonald said.

Macdonald said it is now likely restrictions on horse travel implemented today could last at least two weeks and force a prolonged cancellation of racing in NSW and possibly the nation.

"There's no doubt it's a disaster for the horse industry at this point in time," Macdonald said.

The exclusion zones around the areas of infection have been expanded from 5km to 10km.

More than 200 personnel from Macdonald's department have been directed to horse facilities across NSW to continue tests in areas of possible infection.

The NSW Government's chief veterinary officer Bruce Christie confirmed that people in contact with the horses can easily spread the disease.

Niko · Aug 26, 2007

Re: Aussie horses with flu

Re: Aussie horses with flu

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td>

</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"> Sunday, 26 August 2007
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif] Borders close as horse flu outbreak hits

New Zealand has closed its borders to horses coming from Australia after a devastating horse flu outbreak which is set to cost the Australasian equine industry billions.

The disease has thrown the industry into turmoil, with race meetings cancelled in Australia, New Zealand horses stranded across the Tasman and the New Zealand TAB suspending early betting on big races like the Melbourne Cup and New Zealand racing's showpiece, the Kelt Capital Stakes.

The TAB has also changed times for today's Invercargill harness and Auckland greyhound meetings to suit Australian punters, who have no racing of their own to bet on.

The disease is highly contagious among horses, but humans cannot catch it.

The outbreak, on the eve of the breeding season, could not have come at a worse time for the thoroughbred industry. Six international "shuttle sires" bound for New Zealand have been quarantined in Australia.

They include Stravinsky, Iffraaj, Ekraar, Zenno Rob Roy and Jungle Pocket. And other stallions and mares that would normally travel between New Zealand and Australia for the breeding season will not be allowed to travel.
"If they are one month late starting that's a lot of foals lost," said the chairman of the New Zealand Equine Health Association Bruce Graham.

He said a "major and costly operation" was under way to track and monitor every horse that has entered New Zealand since August 1. Any horses those horses have come in contact with will also be tracked.

While more than 100 horses, including showjumpers, broodmares and yearlings have arrived from Australia in the past few weeks, there have been no reports of illness.

Veterinary experts last night said it was unlikely the virus had already spread to New Zealand as it was highly contagious and would have shown up by now.

Biosecurity New Zealand and local industry players met yesterday and decided to "shut up shop". The equine quarantine station at Karaka, south of Auckland was shut down as other emergency procedures were put in place.

Yesterday a plane carrying Australian horses was turned back at Auckland.
Sixteen horses at two Sydney locations were yesterday confirmed as having tested positive for the virus and another six were showing symptoms. The cost of the outbreak is expected to be around $8.5 billion.

All race meetings scheduled in six Australian states were yesterday abandoned. Horse movement in New South Wales and Victoria was banned and more than 50 horses were impounded at an Eastern Creek, NSW quarantine centre.

It is understood several New Zealand sires and the mare Ticklish, who was due to race yesterday, are among those stranded in Australia.

Hawke's Bay's annual $3.5 million Kelt Capital Spring Carnival will be the first New Zealand racing event to suffer as a result of the outbreak.
"Horses come across for the Kelt race but now they won't be allowed," Graham said.

The disease, which is not normally fatal, is spread by coughing animals and has an incubation period of one to three days.

Symptoms include high temperatures, a deep hacking cough, muscular pain, running eyes and nose.

There are believed to be 100,000 horses in New Zealand, which is the only country among those that race horses to be free of the disease.

The equine industry yesterday united to ensure plans and procedures were in place should the outbreak hit locally.

Members of the racing, showing and breeding community, many of them emotional, had been in touch with the equine health association to ask what could be done to prevent the spread.

Equine veterinarians had been thoroughly briefed to identify potential cases as early as possible. Animals showing symptoms will be immediately quarantined.

The source of the outbreak is suspected to be Japan, where equine influenza was detected on August 15 at the Miho training centre, a week after a shipment of 13 horses arrived in Australia from there.

A week later 447 horses at the Miho and Ritto centres were found to have the virus and the Japan Racing Association closed all its meetings.

Plans for Melbourne Cup favourite Pop Rock and last year's winner Delta Blues remain in doubt.

Both Japanese horses have tested negative to the disease but they must stay negative for two months before they will be allowed to leave for Australia.

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HenryN · Aug 27, 2007

Re: Aussie horses with flu

Re: Aussie horses with flu

Immediate notification report
Report reference: , Ref OIE: 5992, Report Date: 25/08/2007 , Country: Australia
Report Summary
Disease

Equine influenza Animal type Terrestrial

Causal Agent

Equine influenza virus A Clinical Signs Yes

Reason

First occurrence of a listed disease Date of confirmation of Event 25/08/2007

Date of Start of Event

24/08/2007 Date of report 25/08/2007

Diagnosis

Suspicion Number of reported outbreaks Submitted= 1, Draft= 0

Name of Sender of the report

Dr Jill Mortier Address GPO Box 858Canberra ACT Australia CANBERRA 2601

Position Telephone

+61 2 6272 3535

Fax

+61 2 6272 3372 Email jill.mortier@daff.gov.au

Entered by

Dr Jill Mortier

Outbreak (this report - submitted)
State or Territory Shire Locality Unit Type Location Latitude Longitude Start End

NEW SOUTH WALES Sydney Not applicable Centennial Park -33,898 151,235 24/08/2007

Species Measuring units Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Equidae Animals 190 11 0 0 0

Affected Population

Recreational horses in riding stables

Outbreak summary: Total outbreaks = 1 (Submitted)
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Equidae 190 11 0 0 0

Epidemiology
Epidemiological comments

Currently, vaccination is being evaluated as a control measure.
On 24 August 2007, some horses at a riding centre in Sydney displayed clinical signs consistent with a respiratory infection. Eleven horses have given a positive result to an influenza A screening test. Confirmatory testing is being undertaken.
Investigations are underway to determine whether any link exists with a quarantine station in the greater Sydney area, where some horses in quarantine have tested positive for equine influenza A H3N8.

Source of Infection

? Unknown or inconclusive
Printed on: Mon Aug 27 12:03:50 Paris, Madrid (heure d'?t?) 2007 Page 1/3

Control Measures

? Movement control inside the country

Applied

? Screening
? Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
? Quarantine

To be applied

? No Planned Control Measures

Animals treated

Yes

Vaccination Prohibited

Yes

Treatment Details

Supportive therapy

Country / Zone
Country or zone

the whole country

Diagnostic test results
Laboratory Type Name of Laboratory Species Test Type Date Results Provided Result

National laboratory Australian Animal Health Laboratory Equidae real-time PCR 25/08/2007 Positive

Future Reporting
What further reports will be submitted in relation to this event?

There are 1outbreaks that are still recorded as unresolved. It is not possible to declare this event resolved until these individual outbreaks are resolved.
Immediate notification report. Report reference: , Ref OIE: 5992, Report Date: 25/08/2007 , Country: Australia

Printed on: Mon Aug 27 12:03:51 Paris, Madrid (heure d'?t?) 2007 Page 2/3

http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_imm_0000005992_20070827_120350.pdf

Laidback Al · Aug 29, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=20>

</TD><TD width=*>Equine Influenza, Australia<SCRIPT language=javascript>function validate_map_click(a){ if(document.mapform.button_action.value=='identify') { document.mapform.target='query_window'; } else { document.mapform.target='map_window'; window.open('about:blank','map_window','directories=no,height=700,location=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,status=yes,toolbar=no,width=640,top=1,left=1'); return true; } if(!(document.mapform.button_action.value=='zoom_in' || document.mapform.button_action.value=='pan' || document.mapform.button_action.value=='identify')) { alert('Select an action button on the right before clicking on the map'); return false; } else { if (document.mapform.button_action.value=='identify') window.open('about:blank','query_window','directories=no,height=320,location=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,status=no,toolbar=no,width=320,top=50,left=1'); return true; }}</SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=javascript>function open_report(repid) { rwin=window.open("public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid="+repid,"rwin","resizable=1,menubar=yes,location=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,directories=no");}</SCRIPT>

Information received on 28/08/2007 from Mr J. Gardner Murray, Delegate to OIE & President of the OIE Regional Commission for Asia, the Far East and Oceania, Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer , Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AFFA) , CANBERRA, Australia

Summary
<TABLE class=rep_table cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 cellmargin="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Report type</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Follow-up report No. 1</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Start date</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>24/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of confirmation of event</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>25/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Report date</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>28/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date submitted to OIE</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>28/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Reason for notification</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>First occurrence of a listed disease</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Manifestation of disease</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Clinical disease</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Causal agent</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Equine influenza virus A</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Nature of diagnosis</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Clinical, Laboratory (advanced)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Report pertains to</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Entire country</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Related reports</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>

<LI class=rep_list>Immediate notification (25/08/2007)
Follow-up report No. 1 (28/08/2007)

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
New outbreaks <TABLE class=rep_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 1 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Cattai, NEW SOUTH WALES</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>25/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>10</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>7</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 2 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Berry, NEW SOUTH WALES</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>28/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>2</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>2</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 3 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Parkes, NEW SOUTH WALES</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>25/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>56</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>2</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 4 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Tamworth, NEW SOUTH WALES</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>25/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>3</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>3</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 5 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Kulnura, NEW SOUTH WALES</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>25/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>3</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>3</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 6 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Wyong, NEW SOUTH WALES</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>25/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>2</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>2</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 7 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Warwick, QUEENSLAND</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>25/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>300</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>11</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 8 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Minden, QUEENSLAND</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>27/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data></TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>3</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Outbreak 9 </TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Wilberforce, NEW SOUTH WALES</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Date of start of outbreak</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>25/08/2007</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak status</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Continuing (or date resolved not submitted)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological unit</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Farm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected animals</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>17</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>17</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>1</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Affected population</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Recreational horses</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item_ob width=200>Summary of outbreaks</TD><TD class=rep_data_ob width=*>Total outbreaks: 9</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Total animals affected</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Susceptible</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Cases</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Deaths</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Destroyed</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="16%">Slaughtered</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>393</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>50</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>1</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Outbreak statistics</TD><TD class=rep_data><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Apparent morbidity rate</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Apparent mortality rate</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Apparent case fatality rate</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="20%">Proportion susceptible removed* </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>12.72%</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0.25%</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>2.00%</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>0.25%</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>* Removed from the susceptible population either through death, destruction or slaughter</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Epidemiology <TABLE class=rep_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Source of infection</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>

Unknown or inconclusive

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Epidemiological comments</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>A national standstill is in place and all horse gatherings have been cancelled.

Tracing and surveillance are being undertaken in all states and territories.

Most of the infected premises have been linked to a two day horse event held near Maitland, NSW, on 18 - 19 August 2007.
Investigations are underway to determine whether any link exists with a quarantine station in the greater Sydney area, where some horses in quarantine have tested positive for equine influenza A H3.

Currently, vaccination is being evaluated as a possible control measure.

The index case and source of infection are yet to be determined.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Control measures <TABLE class=rep_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Measures already applied</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>

<LI class=rep_list>Movement control inside the country <LI class=rep_list>Screening <LI class=rep_list>Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s) <LI class=rep_list>Quarantine <LI class=rep_list>Vaccination prohibited
Treatment of affected animals (Supportive therapy)

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Measures to be applied</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>

None specified

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Diagnostic test results <TABLE class=rep_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Laboratory name and type</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*>Australian Animal Health Laboratory (National laboratory)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Tests and results</TD><TD><TABLE class=rep_sub_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_sub_item width="35%">Species</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="40%">Test</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="15%">Test date</TD><TD class=rep_sub_item width="10%">Result</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>polymerase chain reaction (PCR)</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>27/08/2007</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>Positive</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=rep_sub_data>Equidae</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>real-time PCR</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>25/08/2007</TD><TD class=rep_sub_data>Positive</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Map of outbreak locations <TABLE class=rep_table width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=rep_item width=200>Location of current outbreaks</TD><TD class=rep_data width=*><FORM name=mapform onsubmit="return validate_map_click(this)" action=public.php method=post target=map_window><INPUT class=framed_map type=image height=400 alt="Please wait while the map is generated for your request" width=400 src="http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/mapserver/temp/118836231641041.png" name=map .> </FORM>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/public.php?page=weekly_report_index&admin=0

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HenryN · Aug 29, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

EQUINE INFLUENZA - AUSTRALIA (NEW SOUTH WALES)
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Wed 29 Aug 2007
From: Eva-Maria Bernoth <eva-maria.bernoth@daff.gov.au>

Equine influenza in New South Wales, Australia
----------------------------------------------
Australia and New Zealand are the only countries with significant
equine industries that have been free from equine influenza. Horses
in Australia are not vaccinated. An outbreak of equine influenza
would have a major impact on the equine stud and racing industries.
Quarantine programs have been developed for the safe movement of
horses internationally for breeding, racing, and other purposes. At
this time of year, there is a high demand on quarantine facilities in
Australia for importation of horses for racing and breeding purposes.

Between 17 and 20 Aug 2007, at a quarantine station in Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia, 3 horses recorded elevated temperatures and
signs consistent with a respiratory infection. Another 3 horses
subsequently developed nasal discharge and minor temperature elevations.

Affected horses and those at risk of exposure on the quarantine
station were tested for equine influenza as a precaution. At the
CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization)
Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) 5 samples gave a positive
result to a TaqMan real time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test for
influenza A viruses. Conventional PCR specific for H3 equine
influenza confirmed these 5 animals to be positive. Sequencing of PCR
product from these animals showed that the PCR product was different
from strains of equine influenza viruses held as laboratory controls
at AAHL. Virus isolation is currently underway at AAHL's biosecure facility.

Blood test results from the initial 3 horses with clinical signs
suggest that one of the 3 horses had recent exposure to equine influenza.

On the basis of the test results to date and the clinical signs
observed, the horses in the quarantine station will remain in
quarantine until it is determined that the group does not represent a
risk of introducing equine influenza. The source of infection of the
horses in the quarantine station is yet to be determined. The station
contains horses from the United States of America, United Kingdom,
Ireland, and Japan, all of which have previously reported the
presence of equine influenza.

On 24 Aug 2007, some horses at a riding centre in Sydney displayed
signs consistent with a respiratory infection. A total of 11 horses
have given a positive result to an influenza A screening test
conducted at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute in NSW,
subsequently confirmed by AAHL. Further testing specific for H3
equine influenza is currently being undertaken.

Investigations are underway to determine any links between the riding
centre and the quarantine station.

The Chief Veterinary Officers of Australia's states and territories,
the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Australia's quarantine
officials, and representatives of relevant industries met on 25 Aug
2007 to discuss the situation.

It was agreed that all states and territories would implement a
standstill on the movement of horses for at least the next 72 hours.
Animal health authorities recommend that all equine events and
gatherings should not take place during that time. Racing clubs and
other equine associations are being asked to cancel or postpone any
meetings or events.

Control zones of 10 km (6.2 mi) radius have been established around
the 2 suspect premises in New South Wales. Surveillance and tracing
of horse movements from the affected areas is underway.

Horse owners and veterinarians have been advised to report any
suspicious cases and a hotline is in place for this purpose.

I have notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of
these findings.

[Immediate notification sent on Sat 25 Aug 2007; see
<http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=5992>.

Follow-up report no. 1 was sent on Tue 28 Aug 2007; see
<http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=6013>
and ProMED-mail 20070828.2827. - Mod.AS]

For more information, including maps of the restricted areas, please
refer to the following websites
<http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza> and
<http://www.outbreak.gov.au>

--
Eva-Maria Bernoth, Dr med vet
Australian Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, and General Manager (A/g)
Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer
Product Integrity, Animal and Plant Health Division
Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601
<eva-maria.bernoth@daff.gov.au>
<http://www.daff.gov.au/>

[We are grateful for this firsthand, essential information, which was
initially e-mailed on Sat 25 Aug 2007, but has unfortunately had
delayed delivery for technical reasons.

The URL's, kindly provided by the Australian authorities, will enable
subscribers to follow this evolving outbreak. - Mod.AS]

[see also:
Equine influenza - Japan, Australia: OIE 20070828.2827
Equine Influenza, equine - Australia ex Japan (02) 20070825.2798
Equine Influenza, confirmed - Australia (ex Japan) 20070824.2787
Equine influenza - Japan: RFI (02) 20070824.2774
Equine influenza - Japan: RFI 20070820.2718]
........................................arn/mj/jw

AlaskaDenise · Aug 29, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

Horse flu: Farmers call for Royal Commission

By LUCY SKUTHORP
Thursday, 30 August 2007

Farmers have called for a Royal Commission into Australia's quarantine system to identify what appear to be major quarantine failures behind the entry and spread of the devastating equine influenza, or horse flu.

The Federal Opposition has also called for an independent investigation and says the disease outbreak has exposed "serious flaws" in the Government's quarantine regime.

The Government has still not answered how the disease, which previously had not been seen in Australia, actually arrived in the country, and how it has presumably escaped from a quarantine station west of Sydney, throwing Australia's $6.5 billion Thoroughbred and pleasure horse industries into chaos.

Farmers are carefully watching the way this disease is being handled, fearful of what might happen if foot and mouth disease or bird flu make it to Australia.

NSW Farmers Association quarantine spokesman, Peter Carter, said a Royal Commission into Australia's quarantine arrangements was now justified given the potential ramifications for other agricultural sectors from any perceived quarantine failure.

Mr Carter, who has been calling for a full review of the country's quarantine arrangements for more than a year, said the Federal Government must answer how:
? This disease was able to enter Australia despite strict protocols in place to block it.
? It escaped Australian quarantine facilities once here.
? Appartent deficincies in the enforcement of the lock-down arrangements, with some alleged cases of "rules being flaunted", exacerbating the rapid spread.

"It's time a Royal Commission look at everything,?
he said.

"We don't want another inquiry into quarantine run by the department."

Sheepmeat Council of Australia president, Chris Groves, said he too was watching this situation "very closely" to see how the procedures and management systems for this outbreak have operated.

"This is really a dry run, as far as the livestock sector is concerned, in the event of any major emergency disease outbreaks like foot and mouth disease," Mr Groves said.
SOURCE: Extract from report in The Land, NSW, August 30.

http://nqr.farmonline.com.au/news_daily.asp?ag_id=44943

Treyfish · Aug 30, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

Tips for human virus control in equine flu outbreak
Simon Grose

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width=160 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
THE EQUINE influenza virus that lucked into Australia in recent days entered virus heaven: lots of healthy potential hosts living in close contact and busily being trucked between places where other potential hosts gather in groups, none with any natural or vaccinated resistance to the new invader. Whoopee, a golden epidemic opportunity, go forth and replicate.
But it has encountered also a human population willing to take it on and well equipped to do so. Armed with the tools of 21st-century science, fiercely motivated by the prospect of mega financial losses (not to mention the threat to the national holy day on the first Tuesday in November), and with a biosecurity strategy among the best in the world, Australia is putting up a fight.
Whatever sequence of errors allowed it to sneak in, our efforts to track the virus's spread, cage it, suppress it and kill it seem to be limiting its heavenly frolic. If they are successful, the story will be over by the end of next month, the virus vanquished, an epidemic nipped in the bud. But this will not just be a story about a relatively harmless virus that only infects horses, donkeys and mules. It is also a workshop in defending Australia against viruses that infect humans.
Several strains of equine influenza have been identified. Two H3 and H7 are known to cause the debilitating symptoms that set horses back and can sometimes lead to death if they are in poor health or succumb to secondary infections.
Although they belong to the same A-type of viruses, which includes human and avian influenza and SARS, equine influenza virus is not carried by other species such as birds and pigs. Nor is it endemic in populations of wild horses because it is an acute but not fatal disease. An infection lasts for two to three weeks after which the sufferer recovers with a naturally bestowed immunity. The virus stops there. Symptoms can occur within five days of infection and, like human influenza, it is easily spread by sneezing and coughing. Horses emit live virus in expired air for up to eight days after becoming infected. It is also relatively long-lived outside a host, surviving for up to 36 hours on surfaces in stables, horse floats, saddlery and other equipment, and able to remain viable if carried by the wind over several kilometres.
Different vaccines are required to protect against the two serious strains, but vaccination does not guarantee total immunity. A vaccinated horse can thus contract a mild infection if it comes in contact with the virus, showing symptoms that are not readily recognised as equine influenza, especially if its handlers are aware it has been vaccinated. In that case, a vaccinated animal can be a carrier that can lead to full-blown infection of unvaccinated stablemates or paddock chums.
A jet aircraft is the main suspect as the vector which brought this infection to Australia. So it is when epidemiologists and biosecurity operatives consider the most likely route that a dangerous form of human influenza could take into this country.
Depending on the stage to which an incoming passenger's infection has progressed, fellow passengers and airport staff could be infected, or family, friends and workmates in the days after arrival, or both.
As with equine influenza, containing a viral outbreak that attacks humans relies on quickly tracking and blocking its spread. Yesterday equine influenza had been confirmed at a number of locations throughout NSW and two in Queensland, but not in other states or territories.
But tracking horses and tying them up is easier than tracking and corralling humans.
When a passenger who landed in Melbourne recently was found to be infected with the polio virus, contacting all fellow passengers proved a difficult task. Australian residents were easier to contact than tourists whose travel plans might have changed soon after they arrived and who were less likely to pay attention to the media.
Each viral incursion will be different, depending on the stage of infectious development and the particular circumstances of its entry.
Suppose the lethal but poorly transmissible H5N1 avian flu evolved into a strain that was easily infectious between humans.
An infected person could exhibit the onset of symptoms while flying in three aircraft from Ho Chi Minh City to Townsville via Singapore and Brisbane, leaving a wide and multi-branched trail of direct and secondary infections.
If the infected person is not yet contagious and travels in a small passenger aircraft from Bali to Darwin and then drives to an isolated rural property, the infection trail could be much simpler to track and contain.
If it was already known that H5N1 had developed a strain that passed easily between humans, stricter quarantine and biosecurity measures would have been imposed, perhaps even to the extent of banning travel into Australia by people who had visited localities where the strain was known to be active.
But the good news is that there is an evolutionary trade-off between the transmissibility of a virus and the danger it poses.
Dr Mahomed Patel, of the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University, says that as a virus travels through a population it is most likely to become progressively less lethal. According to the principles of natural selection, the virus will be "fitter" more successful if it doesn't kill its hosts.
"If a virus infects and kills people quickly, the chances of its spreading are less," Patel said this week. "Therefore if it becomes transmissible between humans, by the fifth cycle we expect that it will be an advantage for the virus to be more transmissible but less lethal." The bad news is that this evolutionary compromise, known as stabilising selection, is different every time. The notorious epidemic of Spanish flu is estimated to have only killed about 2.5 per cent of people who contracted it, but claimed 40-50 million human lives during and after World War II. Then it died too, after making the most of its time in virus heaven. :tiphat: http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/de...ass=general&story_id=1044437&category=opinion

Treyfish · Aug 30, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

Situation Update

New South Wales

Equine influenza (EI) has been confirmed at a number of locations throughout New South Wales including: the <ACRONYM title="Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service">AQIS</ACRONYM> Quarantine Station at Eastern Creek; Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre in Sydney; in police horses stabled at Redfern; Parkes showground; and on private properties at Wilberforce; Cattai; Berry; Wyong; Kulnura; Mount Hunter; Muswellbrook; Aberdeen and Tamworth.
Maps showing Restricted Areas in New South Wales
Queensland

Queensland now has three infected premises - one at Warwick and two in the Minden area.
Other Australian States and Territories

There are no confirmed outbreaks in any other Australian States or Territories at this time.:tiphat: http://www.outbreak.gov.au/pests_di..._animals/equine_influenza/index.htm#situation:yinyang: This is a good site for Australian horse breeders,owners and interested individuals:yinyang: It also has an Avian Influenza section

http://www.outbreak.gov.au/

Treyfish · Aug 30, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

EQUINE INFLUENZA - AUSTRALIA (02): (NEW SOUTH WALES, QUEENSLAND)

Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source:Bloomberg.com [edited]
<<http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=aKkebiBgwfic&refer=japan>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=aKkebiBgwfic&refer=japan>

First Australian Thoroughbred Tests Positive for Horse Flu

A thoroughbred horse tested positive to an initial test for equine
flu in Australia, the first race horse to be afflicted by the disease
that's brought the nation's horseracing industry to a standstill.

Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse was closed to the public and
trackwork canceled after tests showed the thoroughbred may have the
H3N8 equine influenza virus, the Australian Jockey Club said in a
statement today. A second test is being conducted to confirm or
disprove the initial results, the club said in the statement.

The Australian government banned the movement of horses and canceled
races to control the nation's 1st outbreak of the virus, which isn't
usually fatal for animals or dangerous to people. The measures have
paralyzed an industry that generates Aus Dollars 15 billion (USD 12
billion) a year in betting revenue.

90 horses have tested positive for the virus on 19 properties in New
South Wales, the country's most populous state, Ian Macdonald, the
state's minister for primary industries, said yesterday. Test results
are pending on more than 760 horses in quarantine, including at least
5 thoroughbreds, he said.

[Byline: Simeon Bennett]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>

[The Australians are finding themselves in a most difficult dilemma:
continue their traditional, & until now successful, policy of
non-vaccination, or join the rest of the world and vaccinate their
horses against equine influenza?! In a global-village situation,
keeping an unvaccinated population free of infection -- while almost
all others (except New Zealand) vaccinate -- is a complex
undertaking, to say the least. - Mod. AS].:tiphat:

http://tinyurl.com/2yth3q

AlaskaDenise · Aug 30, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

"Therefore if it becomes transmissible between humans, by the fifth cycle we expect that it will be an advantage for the virus to be more transmissible but less lethal."

In prior discussion of this issue, wasn't there a particular reason H5N1 may not follow the usual pattern?

.

AlaskaDenise · Aug 30, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

Groom says quarantine procedures breached

By Glenn Davis
August 30, 2007 06:57pm
Article from: AAP

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22335031-1702,00.html#

QUARANTINE procedures at the Federal Government's Eastern Creek facility in Sydney have been regularly breached, according to a stallion groom formerly employed by a leading US stud.

The groom, who declined to be named, said today he and other grooms of overseas shuttle stallions were allowed to come and go from Eastern Creek without using strict biosecurity and quarantine measures while caring for their horses at the facility in 2001 and 2003.

The groom was employed by a leading Kentucky stud and was in charge of seven stallions during his first trip in 2001 and four stallions in 2003.

The groom revealed he and other stallion grooms were allowed to leave Eastern Creek on numerous occasions, without changing clothes or "scrubbing down", to attend race meetings, play golf and to eat and drink at local hotels and restaurants.

The Eastern Creek centre is one of the possible sources of Australia's first equine influenza (EI) outbreak which has shut down racing in Queensland and New South Wales.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is investigating whether a breakdown in quarantine protocols was responsible for the EI outbreak, according to Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran who also said another possible source of the EI outbreak was a horse show at Maitland on August 18-19.

AQIS did not return calls today about the groom's claims but Mr McGauran said the information would be investigated if the groom came forward.

"Anybody who comes forward can be certain that their information will be thoroughly investigated without fear or favour," he said.

"However, unless a person makes themself known, their claims cannot be tested or verified.

"Everybody in the racing industry wants to get to the bottom of the outbreak of infection."

But Mr McGauran admitted it "may come to" a public inquiry.
"The suggestion there could be any covering up of the failure of the quarantine system is implausible," he said.

"We want to get to the truth of the issue and of course we'll accept responsibility for any failures."

Mr McGauran also said that the grooms of horses within Australia's quarantine facilities were the employees of the studs or racing stables and would be required to comply with all quarantine procedures.

"I am sure the owners of these high-price stallions would be as concerned as I am at any alleged breaches of quarantine by their employees," he said.

The groom was required to stay at Eastern Creek by his employers, but conditions for the stallions and their handlers at the time were so bad he and others frequently left the quarantine centre.

"I unloaded the horses from a national transport truck into the facility and was supposed to stay there with the horses all the time," the groom said.

"But the conditions for the horses were only just acceptable. If they were my stallions I wouldn't be taking them there.

"They didn't wash out trucks after horses were unloaded and drivers used to help unload horses and then drove off after they were in contact with horses.

"There was no scrubbing down. Not once.

"I was there for two weeks each time and I never saw a foot-bath ? which you are supposed to use all the time."

The groom said walking out of Eastern Creek was easy and he did it often to eat at a local pub.

"We had to let them know when we were going out but no one enforced any of the quarantine protocols," he said.

"They knew what was happening but we were free to do what we liked.

"I even went to the races at Randwick with five other grooms and played golf on a few occasions without scrubbing down.

"A well-known breeding stud had a big marquee at Randwick one day and I was invited and went along.

"The people who ran the quarantine facility all knew and didn't say anything when we left."

The groom said the current horse flu scare could easily have occurred earlier.

"If we had EI in one of the stallions in 2001 or 2003 when I was there it would have breached the quarantine then," he said.

"It could be worse. If it was avian flu then it would be everywhere."

Sally Furniss · Sep 1, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

Quarantine breach led to horse flu: Govt

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/01/2021446.htm

The Agriculture Minister says the breach may have been caused by human error or a deficiency in quarantine standards.

The Agriculture Minister says the breach may have been caused by human error or a deficiency in quarantine standards. (AAP: Paul Miller)

The Federal Government has acknowledged there was some kind of breach in the quarantine system that has led to the horse flu epidemic affecting New South Wales and Queensland.

It has been confirmed that equine influenza is currently affecting 44 premises in New South Wales and a further seven in Queensland.

The federal Minister for Agriculture, Peter McGauran, has held talks with equine industry representatives to discuss compensation and a financial plan to look after workers.

Mr McGauran says there is a government investigation under way into whether the Eastern Creek Quarantine Centre is at fault for the virus entering Australia.

He says the Government is also considering an independent inquiry.

"There has been a breach in quarantine in all likelihood and it may well have been human error or a deficiency in the standards of quarantine," he said.

"Our inquiry under way at present is looking at both - how did the virus escape through the quarantine barriers, and were the quarantine barriers adequate in the first place.

"I've got no doubt at all that the inquiry we have under way will get to the truth of the matter."

Decision needed: Racing NSW

Racing New South Wales says there is an urgent need for decisions to be made about compensation and financial help for those affected by the horse flu crisis.

Most people within the horse industry believe the virus entered through a breach at the Federal Government's Eastern Creek quarantine centre in Sydney.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys says compensation will be sought if this is proven.

"The New South Wales thoroughbred industry should not have to incur losses in the tens of millions for someone's mistake," he said.

He says the racing industry will not wear the cost of a breach in quarantine.

"At the moment, Peter McGauran's agreed to provide financial assistance so our industry can keep moving forward, but we are compiling presently all the information with regard to a compensation claim if it's proven, without doubt, that its come out of Eastern Creek," he said.

Racing resumes in some states

Thoroughbred horse racing has resumed in South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria today.

Victorian chief veterinary officer doctor Hugh Millar says tight security is in place at Caulfield in Melbourne, to keep horse handlers and trainers separate from members of the general public.

"If there are people that have been interstate, that are going to that meeting and the meetings in the near future, what I am confident is that the arrangements in place will mean that those people cannot get anywhere near horses, and certainly nowhere near enough to be any kind of a risk," he said.

The threat of horse flu coming to Victoria on the eve of the Spring Carnival has done nothing to deter racegoers and punters, with a good crowd gathering.

Racing Victoria chief executive Stephen Allinson says the racing was great, and Miss Finland was a standout.

"We saw one of the best fillies we've had in the country for the past 20 years travel over from Adelaide and get a permit to travel late yesterday afternoon, and she duly saluted and won the main race," he said.

Meanwhile the eight race meet at Hobart's Elwick Racecourse is the first in the state since restrictions were placed last weekend after the outbreak of equine influenza.

As a precaution, barriers have been erected to keep the public away from horses.

Michael Wisby from the Tasmanian Racing Club says only trainers, jockeys and other licensed personnel are allowed access to horses.

"We have organised a special bar and some food arrangements for them," he said.

"One trainer was upset that he can't get a bet on today but apart from that everybody seems to be fairly pleased that at least they can earn a living."

Racing will also be held at Mowbray in Launceston tomorrow.

'Phantom races'

But at the legendary Birdsville Races in outback Queensland, hobby horses have replaced real ones.

For the first time in more than 120 years there are no horses running at the famous bush race day, because Queensland remains in lock-down.

Attendance at the annual event has dropped by about 50 per cent to around 3,000.

But Lisa Pearson from the Birdsville Hotel says everyone is in high spirits and so far the 'phantom' race day has been a big success.

"We've got some hobby horses, heads on sticks with little wheels on the back of them that we've got jockeys riding around the track," she said.

"I'm not sure if they're betting on those - we do have the bookies out at the racetrack today and they're betting on the Adelaide and Melbourne races that are running and they're also doing a Calcutta on the feature race at Melbourne."

News South Wales also remains in lock-down after the flu virus was detected at Randwick training facility earlier this week.

AlaskaDenise · Sep 2, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

Retired judge to head bird flu inquiry

2nd September 2007, 13:09 WST

Retired High Court judge Ian Callinan will conduct an inquiry into how equine influenza (EI) entered Australia, Prime Minister John Howard has announced.

Mr Howard said the Callinan inquiry had been granted wide powers to investigate the source of the outbreak, which has devastated the racing industry in NSW and Queensland.

"We are determined to find out what happened, how this disease was introduced, whether there's been a breach of quarantine procedures and protocols," Mr Howard told reporters in Sydney.

"(Mr Callinan) will be able to investigate every aspect of it.

"He'll be able to require people to give evidence, produce documents and he will conduct public hearings if he regards that as being necessary."

Many in the industry have pointed an accusing finger at Sydney's Eastern Creek quarantine centre, and an internal quarantine investigation is under way.

Mr Howard has also flagged possible wage subsidies for those in the racing industry affected by EI.

He said the government would be in a position in a few days to announce further assistance to the racing industry, including possible wage subsidies.

Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran said a team of 19 investigators was working on tracing the movements of horses and people in the wake of the outbreak which has crippled the multi billion dollar racing industry and left hundreds of people and horses stranded at equestrian venues in NSW and Queensland.

The first case of EI in Australia was confirmed on August 23 in a stallion housed at Sydney's Eastern Creek quarantine station.
A day later it was found in several horses at an equestrian centre at Centennial Park, close to Randwick Racecourse.

Horses from Centennial Park had previously travelled to a horse show in Maitland over the weekend of August 18 and 19 where they infected other horses who moved on to various parts of the state and south east Queensland.

It has since been found at Randwick Racecourse where 700 racehorses are trained and also in racing stables at Hawkesbury, in Sydney's north-west.

Mr McGauran says the trail starts from August 8.

"The bad luck and there's been a lot of it, starts on the eighth of August when the five stallions come from Japan, a week before influenza is detected in that country," Mr McGauran said.

"They land at Mascot and that is a quarantine zone, we have responsibility for that, then they are transported to Eastern Creek and they are still there.

"So there has been no letting out of any horse so it must have come on a piece of equipment or a human being and therefore our forensic investigators have started at Mascot airport, the crew, the cargo handlers, the grooms, tracing the horses right through to Eastern Creek.

"But the frustration is and of course you've got to assume with complete certainty there's been a breach in the quarantine system, but by who and when and how - we can't link any visitor to Eastern Creek with any of the affected premises - at this stage."

Peter V'Landys, chief executive of Racing NSW, and Queensland Racing chairman Bob Bentley, say the government can expect a compensation claim in the tens, possibly hundreds of millions of dollars, if an inquiry finds a breach of quarantine procedures is the cause.

AAP

Sally Furniss · Sep 2, 2007

Re: Australian horses with flu

AlaskaDenise said:
Retired judge to head bird flu inquiry
AAP

Care needs to be taken over the headings of stories.

Should say "Retired judge to head horse flu inquiry"

Australian horses with flu

Editor, Senior Moderator

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