Second EI vaccine shot essential for Narrabri horses

Owners of horses vaccinated once against equine influenza (EI) in the Narrabri buffer have been advised to call the Narrabri Local Vaccination Centre to arrange for their horses to receive their second shot.

NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Ian Roth, has urged horse owners who have not been contacted by the centre to phone 6799 2490 by 19 December to arrange an appointment.

“We are having difficulties contacting some people, so we would like anybody we have been unable to contact to call us as soon as possible,” Mr Roth said.

“The effectiveness of the EI vaccine will be limited if horses do not receive their second injection, so it’s vitally important horses receive both rounds.”

Mr Roth said 1433 horses in the Narrabri buffer had been vaccinated and to date 703 of those had received their second shot.

“The second round is taking less time to complete as the horses have already been microchipped and tested,” he said.

“If we can clear EI from the Narrabri district no further vaccination rounds will be required.

“Continued good cooperation from horse owners, by obeying movement restrictions and following the correct disinfection procedures, will assist us to clear EI from the Narrabri district.

“Clearance testing of horses has already begun so we can accurately monitor the steady decline of horse flu around Narrabri.”

NSW equine influenza hotline: 1800 675 888

More information: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza