NSW Chief Vet awarded for Equine Influenza efforts
The State’s chief vet has been presented with the most prestigious award in the equine industry at a Gala dinner last night in Coolum, Queensland.
Dr Bruce Christie, a veterinary officer with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for 22 years, the last seven of those as the State’s chief vet, was honoured for his efforts during the 2007 equine influenza outbreak.
Dr Christie was presented with the 2009/2009 Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) Award for services to the horse industry.
"I’m delighted to receive such an esteemed award, from my peers in the industry," Dr Christie said.
"This award is recognition of the hard work of the thousands of people who spent six months controlling the rapid spread of the disease, and the ongoing effects to the horse industry."
Equine Veterinarians Australia President Dr Jane Axon said the award is given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the equine industry.
"One of the features of the Equine Veterinarians Australia conference is to honour those who have provided exceptional service to the horse industry," Dr Axon said.
"This year we are recognising Dr Christie, along with his Queensland counterpart Dr Ron Glanville, for their outstanding efforts during the equine influenza outbreak in New South Wales and Queensland in 2007.
"It was through the work of Dr Christie, Dr Glanville and a host of others that the equine influenza was successfully eradicated in Australia."
"The first outbreak of Equine Influenza in NSW was confirmed on August 25, 2007 and at the height of the outbreak there were more than 5800 infected properties and more than 200 new infected properties detected per day," Dr Christie said.
"NSW conducted a massive campaign on a scale never before seen in Australia, using the latest vaccine and laboratory testing technologies.
"The NSW Government spent more than $50 million on its control and eradication campaign, with a whole of government response, including NSW DPI, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, NSW Police, RTA, State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and NSW Health.
"More than 20 control and vaccination centres across NSW were established, while an EI workforce of about 2000 was enlisted.
"It was a remarkable effort to turn this disease around in such a short amount of time.
"NSW was declared EI free in February 2008."
Equine Veterinarians Australia is a professional body representing over 1,000 equine veterinarians throughout Australia.
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Media contact: Sarah McGregor 0427 075 167