27 August 2007

Equine Influenza

The Executive Officer of the NSW Racehorse Owners Association attended a Media Press Conference today regarding the Equine Influenza at Government Macquarie Tower. The Minister for Primary Industry the Hon. Ian McDonald revealed that symptoms of the Equine Influenza have been reported in 415 horses across the state in 53 different locations, with 51 horses confirmed with the virus. The minister stated that a crisis working committee has been formed in his Department to address the contamination issues and the state lockdown of horses will remain in force until Monday the 3rd of September when it will be reviewed. Thoroughbred Racing will not be conducted in NSW during this time although Victoria intends to resume racing on Wednesday the 29th of August who at this stage remains unaffected by the virus.

The CEO of RacingNSW Mr Peter V’Landys addressed the media stating that 3 samples have been taken by Thoroughbreds stabled at Randwick today with the results due later this evening. Mr V’Landys stated that should these results return positive of the EI virus it would almost certainly see the cancellation of the Sydney Spring Carnival with racing unlikely to resume for at least 30 days.

Mr V’Landys also stated that a Natural Disaster Relief Fund is being formulated for State and Federal Government approval by RacingNSW to assist Racing Participants, Employee’s, Owners, Trainers and others affected by the EI outbreak. Details of the Relief Fund are yet to be known, however the NSW Racehorse Owners Association will be strongly lobbying for Owners to be directly compensated and involved in the process.

The NSW Racehorse Owners are fully supportive of the measures being taken by RacingNSW and the DPI in stopping all horse movement in NSW. We ask all members to comply with regulations for the good of all owners and the industry as a whole. For the latest information regarding the outbreak and any further restrictions regarding the feeding, handling and contact with horses in NSW please see the Department of Primary Industry website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au. The NSW Racehorse Owners association will continue to provide you with regular updates on the virus and the details of the Natural Disaster Relief Fund in due course.