To read the Executive Summary of the last IAC meeting. Click this link
Click this link to view the Powerpoint presentation by James Gilkerson on Infectious disease threats
Horse Biosecurity Venue Workbook new version released! (and its free.)
The Australian Horse Industry Council has been working with Animal Health Australia, HRA, RA snd EA on a fully updated Biosecurity workbook which has been a great resource for horse owners, equestrian event organisers and venue operators
The workbook assists venue owners and managers to establish a set of biosecurity measures applicable to their venue, which can easily be implemented over time to ensure horses are protected from diseases and pests. It was produced so a venue holding just one horse, or a racing complex holding hundreds, could design and implement measures appropriate for their particular venue, while also addressing individual management and site issues. The Horse Venue Biosecurity Workbook can be adapted to suit your individual horse activities and enterprise.
You can download a free copy from the Animal Health Australia Farm Bio security website which is a great resource on biosecurity for all horse owners.
Or you can download it directly here
NATIONAL HORSE TRACEABILITY TASKFORCE UPDATE
The National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce (the Taskforce) has met on four occasions since being established by the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) in April 2024.
The terms of reference of the Taskforce are included in the report of the National Horse Traceability Working Group.
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) and Harness Racing Australia (HRA) also reported to the Taskforce on the progress of their two pilot projects that will assist the implementation of the NHTS and are on track to finalise their reports in early October 2024.
For more details please click the link to read the full version of Communique 2
Survey Results
National Horse Traceability Taskforce gets underway.
The Australian Horse Industry Council was represented by President Mark Burnell and Vice President, Linda Bracken at the first meeting of the National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce (NHTIT) meeting for the first time on 24 April 2024.
NHTIT is a committee established by the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) to oversee the implementation and operation of a traceability system for horses, donkeys and mules in Australia on behalf of industry stakeholders and the jurisdictions.
The system is to be known as the National Horse Traceability System (NHTS). The principal purpose of the NHTS is to enhance the ability for government authorities to trace horses during disease outbreaks and in times of natural disaster. However, other flow-on benefits to the industry are anticipated.
A diverse range of stakeholder groups are represented on the committee.
Please have a look at the communique from the Taskforce for more information.
The Australian Horse Industry Council will keep our members across developments from the taskforce.
For more information visit the taskforce website:
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/horses/horse-traceability/communique-one-2024
AHIC Response to Victoria’s proposed Animal Care and Protection Laws.
The Australian Farmer Journal
THE AUSTRALIAN FARMER Journal – “MARCH 2024 LIVE EDITION” now available for free.
The Australian Farmer (TAF), the online publication dedicated to agri science-technology-innovation, is now approaching the 1-decade mark.
One Mandate Group is proud to present this refreshed “MARCH 2024 LIVE EDITION”, available for free to all ASF members, colleagues, and supporters.
CLICK HERE >>> www.theaustralianfarmer.com/digital-book
Includes AHIC article:
Contributing to our recreation and rural life – the place of the horse in Australia pp 198-199
Below are some other articles that have been added to TAF in recent months:
Draft Animal Care and Protection Bill – have your say – closes March 24.
Draft Animal Care and Protection Bill – have your say – closes March 24.
An important opportunity for equine organisations and owners to have your input about new, proposed laws that will impact our industry.
Over the last weeks, the Australian Horse Industry Council have been working through the new proposed Animal Care and Welfare Laws (ACAWL) for Victoria. The AHIC sees these new proposed regulations as a litmus test for other states and territories. This is why it’s very important for your organisation, wherever you are based, to be across these proposals and give your input.
If the draft Bill is passed by the Victorian Parliament to become an Act, the new Animal Care and Protection Act would replace the current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (the POCTA Act).
The primary change from the previous Prevention of Cruelty Act (POCTA) is the recognition of sentience of animals. This shift in perception of welfare and cruelty has significant implications with our international trade partners where sentience is foremost in the management of production and companion animals in other countries.
The Board of the AHIC suggests if you or your membership organisation would like to respond please include with your submission any supporting evidence of the abilities of the organisation to self-regulate, especially to ensure good welfare oversight of the horses used in your particular organisation, activity, business or breed society.
Areas of focus could be:
Your Constitution or Rules with particular focus on any rules regarding bits, nose bands, spurs, whips and disciplinary response by your organisation.
Your Constitution or Rules regarding suitability, age, soundness and behaviour of horses used in your activity.
Any policies such as hot weather, lightening events, bad weather, poor or unsuitable surfaces for activities with horses.
Guidelines/accreditation protocols for your event officials, coaches, judges and any grading procedures for suitability of rider/horse combinations to attend events run by your organisation.
If cattle are used in your sport, the welfare guidelines you have in place to ensure the wellbeing of the cattle used.
The AHIC is writing a formal response to the proposal. If a formal response from your organisation or business is not possible by the closing date, we are giving member organisations the opportunity to become a co-signatory to the AHIC response which we will circulate before the 24th of March. If you are a member organisation please let us know when we send out our response, if you would like to add your support to the submission. A number of significant organisations have already indicated their interest in co-signing.
If you would like your organisation to become a member organisation and become a co-signatory you are very welcome. https://www.horsecouncil.org.au/membership-signup
And a reminder, that the AHIC has useful resource documents; the Horse Welfare Toolkit, the Horse Venue Biosecurity Workbook for members to use please contact us via the website www.horsecouncil.org
National Equine Survey
AHIC NATIONAL EQUINE SURVEY
Introduction
Thank you for completing our survey!
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) represents the interests of equine people (just like you), and the health and welfare of all equines in the Australian equine community. The AHIC is made up of a collection of breed societies, performance and competition associations, equine businesses, recreational riders and service providers.
The AHIC is instrumental in responding to and preparing for current and emerging bio-security
issues. We represent all our members (recreational and competitive) and drive regular ongoing discussions with Government bodies, the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), other horse industry representatives (for example, Equestrian Australia, Racing Australia, Harness Racing Australia), Animal Health Australia (AHA) and others. We are here to advocate for you and your equines with equal representation at the highest level, to ensure that all involved in the Australian equine community have a voice.
Who should complete this survey?
Any individual or business with an interest in the health and welfare of our equine partners.
You do not have to be an AHIC member, this survey is designed to provide a snapshot of the equine community outside of Racing. We will use this information to present the facts and your feedback of our equine community (which is the largest of them all), to the Government to assist us in increasing their knowledge around the vast and varied disciplines we undertake with our equine partners. The ramifications of decisions being made without consultation in our equine community are significant. The AHIC is on a mission to ensure all equine community needs are taken into consideration before the decisions are made.
Survey information
We have used equine in place of horses to capture horse, mules, ponies and donkeys.
Your survey responses are anonymous. The survey should only take approximately 5 minutes of your time and will be open from 7th September 2023 and close on 30th October 2023.
Please feel free to share this survey link with anyone who would like to fill it out.
https://m9eiwuiyeet.typeform.com/to/yfXW23nB
We thank you in advance for your support of our industry and equine partners.
Victoria - Sudden horse death investigations
Agriculture Victoria media release
2 August 2023
Investigation concludes
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed that recent sudden multiple horse deaths are not linked or the result of an infectious disease.
Sample testing and necropsies were conducted where possible on deceased animals and found nothing unusual or unexpected as contributing causes.
A number of separate diagnoses have been made including intestinal issues in one instance, while there is a possibility of toxic plants present in another.
In some instances it was not possible to determine a clear cause due to a lack of available suitable samples.
The investigation involved a total of 17 horses that died on six separate properties where multiple deaths were reported.
Negative tests were returned for a wide variety of transmissible diseases such as Hendra virus and equine influenza.
We would like to thank the horse industry, private veterinarians, other experts and horse owners for their assistance during this investigation.
Follow the link to Agriculture Victoria for the latest news.
Sudden horse death investigations | Horses | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
Victoria - Media Release Agriculture Victoria 20th July 2023
Sudden Victorian horse deaths update - Please see attached Media Release for full report
Agriculture Victoria investigations into 13 sudden horse deaths since the start of July has found no common links to date between the five affected properties and no evidence of infectious disease.
See full media release for full report.
Media release https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/sudden-victorian-horse-deaths-update
NSW - Hendra in an unvaccinated horse near Newcastle
Please find attached the latest media release concerning the confirmation of Hendra in an unvaccinated horse near Newcastle.
Horse owners to remain vigilant for signs of Hendra virus and to contact their private vets or the emergency animal disease hotline number 1800 675888 on suspicion of the disease. Humans in contact with suspicious horses must wear PPE.
It is important to note that no horses in Victoria have tested positive to Hendra virus at this point in time.
Victoria - Report any sudden deaths/illness - July 2023
Agriculture Victoria is working with private veterinarians to understand the cause of recent horse deaths in Victoria.
If your horse has suffered sudden death or onset of illness, immediately contact your local veterinarian or call the emergency animal disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Report an unusual or emergency animal disease | Animal diseases | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
Mosquito Management for Horses
Farm Biosecurity has released a very useful free guide for management of mosquitos around horses.
Access To Japanese Encephalitis Virus Human Vaccine (Victoria)
Latest update: All staff working on stud farms in areas affected by the floods are now eligible to be vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV).
While there are currently no confirmed cases of JEV in Victoria, the recent flooding and heavy rainfall can mean a greater risk of infections spread by mosquitoes.
Vaccination against JEV is now available for anyone aged two months or older who:
Lives, or routinely works, in a high-risk area and spends significant time outdoors (four hours per day), for unavoidable work, recreational, educational or other essential activities, or
Is living in temporary or flood-damaged accommodation that places them at an increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes, or
Is engaged in the prolonged clean-up of stagnant waters following floods.
The vaccine is free for people who meet these criteria and is available from local councils and local public health units, including some COVID-19 vaccination hubs. Select GPs and community pharmacies can also provide the vaccine itself for free, but may charge a fee for the administration.
People living in areas experiencing mosquito activity should undertake these protective measures now and over the coming months to protect themselves against not just JEV, but other mosquito-borne diseases for which no vaccine is available – including Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Murray Valley encephalitis.
For further information, please visit the Victorian Department of Health website here.
Prepare your horse bush fire survival plan now, before summer.
Winter is the best time to ensure you have a bush fire survival plan for your horses.
Here is some information on a free webinar on July 20 for you to hear from leading experts on what you need to consider.
https://bushfireresilience.org.au/2022-w1-horses-and-bushfire-what-do-we-know/
Internationally acclaimed Large Animal Rescue specialist comes to Victoria
Anton Phillips, one of the worlds leading experts on rescuing large animals, especially horses will be visiting Australia for a series of clinics hosted by the Arthurs Creek CFA.
Places are limited and last time Anton visited, the clinics sold out fast.
If you would like further information or to book please head to this site.
https://www.trybooking.com/eventlist/antonphillips
Emergency animal disease alert for horse owners - Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Please see the following information from the Federal Department for Agriculture.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) have been reported in piggeries in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. This is the first time that the virus has been detected in southern Australia.
Japanese encephalitis is a viral zoonotic disease that is spread by mosquitoes. Waterbirds act as natural reservoirs for the virus, and mosquitos can spread the virus to people, horses, pigs and other animals.
People and horses are considered ‘dead end’ hosts - once infected, they do not play a role in transmitting the virus. Pigs and some species of wild birds are amplifying hosts.
In animals, signs of disease are most common in horses and pigs. Other animals can be infected
but typically do not show signs of illness, these include cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, bats, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
Reporting requirements
Horse owners need to be alert to signs of this disease. Japanese encephalitis is a nationally notifiable disease which means it must be reported to a veterinarian or biosecurity authority. To report, call the national Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. This number will put you in contact with the biosecurity authority in your state or territory.
Horses
In horses, many cases are subclinical, meaning they are infected but show no signs of disease. Most clinical disease is mild, however more severe encephalitis can occur which may be fatal.
Signs of disease include an elevated temperature, jaundice, lethargy, anorexia and neurological signs which can vary in severity. Neurological signs can include incoordination, difficulty swallowing, impaired vision, and rarely the horse becomes over excited.
While reports of the disease in other species are rare, overseas the disease has been reported in donkeys.
Preventative measures
Rugging and hooding horses with a lightweight summer rug and fly mask can help protect against mosquito bites. Where available, stabling horses between dusk and dawn may also be beneficial. For horses not stabled overnight, rugging and hooding with lightweight permethrin fabric may help protect them.
If the horse allows, apply a safe insect repellent. To apply the repellent to the horse’s face and ears, spray it onto a cloth and rub it on, avoiding around and above the eyes.
Human health advice
Most Japanese encephalitis virus infections in people are asymptomatic, however, those with severe infection (which occurs in less than one per cent of cases) may experience neck stiffness, coma, and more rarely, permanent neurological complications or death. Encephalitis is the most serious clinical consequence of infection. Illness usually begins with symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, headache and vomiting.
People should also try to prevent mosquito bites by using a mosquito repellent containing picaridin, DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus on all exposed skin and reapply every few hours; wear long, light coloured and loose-fitting clothes; and covered footwear.
Government response
The Australian, state and territory governments are working with the pig and horse industries through the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases in response to this outbreak. We are also working closely with human health authorities.
There are no movement restrictions currently in place for horses moving within an Australian state or territory, or interstate. Horses being exported from Australia must meet the conditions set by the importing country.
The response strategy for this disease is outlined in the Japanese encephalitis AUSVETPLAN.
Further information is available at outbreak.gov.au including links to AUSVETPLAN, and your state or territory department of agriculture or primary industries.
Agriculture Victoria Media Release: Japanese Encephalitis
Important information from Agriculture Victoria on the developing situation with Japanese Encephalitis
Latest from the National Horse Traceability Working Group
Latest Communique from NHTWG
14 February 2022
The National Horse Traceability Working Group (NHTWG) met on 13 December 2021 and 8 February 2022 to consider further how a National Horse Traceability System (NHTS) should operate. The Working Group agreed that to achieve adequate traceability to address biosecurity challenges, the system should include the following key elements:
adoption of the Property Identification Code (PIC) system administered by the states/territories. PIC registers contain information on the location of properties, the species present and contact details for the person who is responsible for livestock including horses on a property
where required by racing or equestrian authorities, or used on a voluntary basis by owners, the use in a standardised manner of implanted microchips (transponders) to permanently identify animals
movement recording obligations for movements that are high-risk from a biosecurity perspective
utilisation of existing industry managed secure databases that register horses along with their owners, descriptions, brands and markings, and where applicable their transponder (microchips) numbers
endorsement of agreed business rules supported by enabling state/territory legislation
an ongoing program to educate horse industry participants about their responsibilities
documented arrangements for compliance monitoring, enforcement, evaluation, and
periodic review, and
the development and use of tools that will allow authorities to quickly access relevant data
on registers and databases in order to determine the history and whereabouts of individual horses, or groups of horses and their companions, specifically for biosecurity purposes
The Working Group is progressing a draft set of business rules outlining industry participant obligations relating to property registration, how microchips where used are to be applied, movement recording requirements and associated data management.
The draft business rules will apply to all horses, donkeys and mules (referred to collectively as horses) and once finalised will be one component of a suite of recommendations provided by NHTWG to Agriculture Ministers (AMM) in mid-2022 for endorsement.
Following a biosecurity incident, the expected outcome associated with the implementation and operation of the system described in the business rules is to enable:
horses of interest to be traceable within 24 hours back to properties (PICs) on which they have resided or visited (traceback), and
horses co-residing with or that have been in contact with horses of interest to be located within 24 hours (contact tracing).
The Working Group previously agreed that although ultimately the development of a NHTS incorporating greater complexity may be desirable, there needed to be a base level starting point that provides the platform to move in time to such a system.
The Working Group will next consider responses to a questionnaire sent to horse industry organisations and businesses seeking their views on the possible introduction of a NHTS. Responses will assist the Working Group to determine how best to use, and build on, existing industry horse identification and data management arrangements.
The Working Group will next meet in March 2022 to continue work on its report to Agriculture Ministers (AMM).
For further information or any enquiries, please email horse.traceability@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Stuart McLean
Chair, National Horse Traceability Working Group