EI public information meeting at Murrumbateman

A community meeting to keep the public fully informed on the progress being made to control equine influenza (EI) and restrictions applying in the Yass, Canberra and Gunning districts will be held at the Murrumbateman Recreation Hall on Wednesday 12 December at 7.00 pm.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has teamed up with local veterinarians, horse industry representatives and Rural Lands Protection Board staff to deliver EI information relevant to the local green zone and answer questions from horse owners.

NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Steve Dunn, said topics to be discussed would include buffer zone vaccination, location of infections, biosecurity and disinfection, testing procedures and details of how the outbreak is being managed.

"We understand EI is having a huge impact at the local level, even though there is no local infection, and we want to respond to community concerns," Mr Dunn said.

"Restrictions on horse movements, the cancellation of horse events and biosecurity requirements have been tough on all horse owners ever since EI was first detected in August.

"The Murrumbateman meeting is designed to keep the local community informed and deliver the latest information in an open, friendly environment."

Mr Dunn said the meeting would give people the facts and dispel some of the myths, as well as provide an opportunity to ask questions.

"This is the latest in a series of meetings held across NSW to that provide accurate information and assist horse owners in understanding how the disease is spread and how it can be contained if we work together," he said.

"More than 5,500 people have so far attended 56 meetings across the State since early October in both infected and EI free areas."

Contacts
NSW equine influenza hotline: 1800 675 888
Website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza