Horse Alert - pir.sa.gov.au · management of a disease emergency. In South Australia, PIRSA Animal Health is the primary response agency in an emergency disease outbreak. • Section

Horse AlertSouth Australia

Version 1, November 2004

Part A: General release

An AWARENESS LEVEL operational plan for the recognition and management of horse disease

emergencies in South Australia

HORSE SA

South Australian Horse Industry Advisory GroupExecutive OfficerC/- Primary Industries and Resources South Australia33 Flemington Street, Glenside SA 5065

Copying and distributionIt is the intention of the South Australian Horse Industry Advisory Group for people to make copies of this publication to disseminate the information as widely as possible.

DisclaimerThe South Australian Horse Industry Advisory Group has tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, however, it is intended as a guide only. The group will not accept any liability in any way arising from information or advice that is contained in this publication.

ISBN 0 7590 1357 8

Horse AlertSouth Australia

Part A: General release

Version 1, November 2004

An AWARENESS LEVEL operational plan for the recognition and management of horse disease

emergencies in South Australia

HORSE SA

4 • HORSE ALERT South Australia 2004 HORSE ALERT South Australia 2004 • 5

FOREWORD

Emergency horse diseases have the potential to cause enormous damage to the South Australian horse industry through their effects on horses and the social and financial well being of the people of South Australia. Emergency diseases include those not present in Australia (exotic) and new diseases arising in Australia. They may also include diseases that cross over from one species to another.

An emergency disease outbreak, even in a regional area, can have immediate national affects, including:

• export bans

• trade bans

• increased demand on resources, with financial and social hardship for those affected lasting much longer with a disease outbreak than almost any other emergency.

Horse Alert SA provides you with essential information to minimise the risks of a serious horse disease outbreak, and it provides guidance on the actions you can take when a disease occurs.

Although all the information in the document is relevant to emergency horse diseases, your needs may be different from other horse owners. Throughout this document, there are step-by-step guides to provide you with an easy reference to the essential key tasks and actions that need to be taken when a disease is suspected.

Throughout the plan, you will find mention of continuing risks facing the horse industry that will need to be addressed in the future.

The six areas identified for further action include:

• health management

• education and training

• communication

• policy and funding

• business continuity

• recovery.

These will require complementary action plans to ensure there are comprehensive arrangements to protect the South Australian horse industry from the effects of an emergency disease.


CONTENTS* Indicates stand-alone information suitable for reproduction

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Acronyms and abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Part A General release Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8* Do not delay action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Purpose of Horse Alert SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Case history — equine influenza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Case history — foot and mouth disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Section 1 Emergency animal disease response* Indicators of potential emergency disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13* Use the ABCD: Alert * Beware * Contact * Decide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14* Hygiene — standard operating procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15* What information will you need to be prepared to supply to a vet? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Why should I call a vet?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 What will my vet do? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 How will my information be handled? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 What might happen if it is an emergency disease? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18* Example management plan for an emergency disease outbreak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 AUSTVETPLAN response to other equine emergency diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Actions to be taken when a disease emergency is declared. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20* Managing risk at your stables or a property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22* Guide for horse race and event organisers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 * Horse movement record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Example of a public announcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Section 2 Responsibilities National arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 South Australian Government arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Outline of the South Australian Government arrangements for the management of EAD* The Livestock Act has the power to: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 South Australian horse industry arrangements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Racing sectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Other horse organisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 South Australian Government and industry response to an EAD incident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Industry Liaison Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Section 3 Related matters What are the threats of an emergency horse disease? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Thoroughbred racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Harness racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Other sectors of the horse industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Small business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Consequent risks faced by the industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Threats to effective management of an EAD outbreak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Addressing the threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Horse Alert Fact Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 * 1 Emergency diseases of horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 * 2 Twenty simple steps to healthy horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 * 3 Outline for a contingency plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 * 4 SA Horse Industry Advisory Group Terms of Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 * 5 National Emergency Disease Program: Look. Check. Ask a Vet.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42


PREFACE

This AWARENESS LEVEL operational plan was developed from the ‘Horse Alert Victoria’ model document. South Australia is grateful to the project members who developed Horse Alert Victoria including representatives from Racing Victoria Ltd, Harness Racing Victoria and the Government of Victoria in conjunction with Aus Vet Animal Health Services Pty Ltd.

Horse Alert SA is subordinate to the national emergency disease response strategy AUSVETPLAN and the South Australian Government — SA Action Plan. Its main purpose is to provide a broad overview to the general horse industry about how an emergency disease outbreak will be managed. It also acts to:• raise awareness of emergency disease reporting• provide information about who to contact should you suspect a disease outbreak• provide a guide to further training and awareness raising.

The document is divided into two sections:

Part A: GENERAL RELEASE. To be used as an educational and awareness-raising resource tool for the horse industry.

Part B: CONTROL. For issue to registered Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs), who may play a key role should an outbreak occur. This includes up-to-date contact details.

The South Australian Horse Industry Advisory Group (HIAG) is an initiative of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. HIAG developed Horse Alert South Australia for the South Australian horse industry with the assistance of the Horse Federation of South Australia Inc. (Horse SA). Input was also received from Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) and Thoroughbred Racing South Australia Ltd.

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AUSVETPLAN Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan

EAD Emergency animal disease

HIAG Horse Industry Advisory Group (South Australian)

Horse Includes horse, donkey, jenny, hinney, mule and other equidae

Horse SA The Horse Federation of South Australia Inc.

ILO Industry Liaison Officer

LDCC Local Disease Control Centre (under AUSVETPLAN)

Livestock Act Livestock Act 1997 (South Australia)

Minister Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (includes responsibility for application of the Livestock Act)

PIRSA Primary Industries and Resources South Australia

SDCHQ State Disease Control Headquarters (under AUSVETPLAN)


Part A GENERAL RELEASE


INTRODUCTION

Horse Alert SA has been developed as an AWARENESS LEVEL operational plan for the South Australian horse industry and government in the prevention, preparation for, recognition and response to a disease emergency in horses.

Success in managing a horse disease emergency will depend, in the first instance, on people being aware of the threats, recognising that there is an unusual problem and knowing how to have suspect cases investigated. In an emergency, speedy action will be needed to stop movements of horses, people and vehicles and initiate disease control procedures.

Horse Alert SA outlines the actions that are required in three sections for Part A: GENERAL RELEASE:• Section 1: Emergency Animal Disease Response provides guidance on recognising and responding to an

emergency animal disease (EAD).• Section 2: Responsibilities gives details of how governments and industry organisations interact in the

management of a disease emergency. In South Australia, PIRSA Animal Health is the primary response agency in an emergency disease outbreak.

• Section 3: Related matters covers matters on related threats, prevention of disease, care of horses and on communication strategies within the South Australian horse industry.

A further Part B: CONTROL is issued to persons who have undergone training as Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs).

This plan should be read in its entirety as it provides a very useful guide for prevention of EADs and to the response arrangements.

To assist horse organisations in disseminating information about Horse Alert SA, this document has several design features:• Pages with background shading are suitable to be produced as overheads, etc. These pages can photocopied,

enlarged and placed in clubrooms or stables, or reprinted and distributed as notes to staff or in club membership packs.

• Emergency Horse Diseases of Horses and Twenty Simple Steps to Healthy Horses (Horse Alert Fact Sheets 1 and 2) are designed to be reproduced as information flyers to hand out to staff and club members, or be placed on clubroom, agistment centre or horse industry workplace walls and noticeboards.


If you suspect that you might have an emergency horse disease

DO NOT DELAY ACTION

1. Isolate the sick horse

2. Implement Standard Operating Procedures for horse hygiene

3. Implement a Stock standstill

CALL YOUR VETIf you can’t get your own vet,

call the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline

Ph 1800 675 888

Implement your event or property risk management planimmediately


PURPOSE OF HORSE ALERT SA

Horse Alert SA is an awareness level document to help the professional, sporting and recreational sectors of the horse industry in South Australia prevent, prepare for, recognise and respond effectively to a disease emergency that affects horses.

An EAD is a disease that meets one or more of the following criteria:• It is a known disease that does not occur in Australia and it is in the national interest for Australia to be free of the

disease e.g. equine influenza.• It is a more serious form of a disease that is already present but would have a national impact if the new form

established in Australia.• It is a serious infectious disease of unknown or uncertain cause, e.g. hendra virus. • It is an endemic disease i.e. present in Australia, but so severe that an emergency response is required e.g. anthrax.

The disease may not be one that even infects horses but, as occurred in Britain with foot and mouth disease, the industry could be affected by the response mounted to control the outbreak

Horse Alert SA explains the procedures to be followed where a disease emergency is suspected, as well as measures that should be put in place to reduce the risk of such an outbreak. It also addresses many of the wider threats identified by the South Australian horse industry. Applying the best health management guidelines outlined in the plan will help prevent and reduce the impact of a disease emergency. They will also improve the overall standard of horse health and infection control not only in the broad horse industry, but also on individual properties and stables.

Applying these simple principles will help prevent common infections and may considerably reduce the losses to the South Australian horse industry every year.

One example is equine influenza. It is a viral disease that is present in most overseas countries. If introduced here, it would present a major problem because it is highly infectious, spreading rapidly through horse and people movement. It makes affected horses very sick and unable to train or race for long periods. Successful control may require vaccination and a standstill, probably over large areas and for a long time, with catastrophic effects on the industry.

Read, and then keep this document in a place where it is readily accessible. Suitable places may include:• near your first aid kit• hanging from your clubroom or agistment centre noticeboard• handed out as part of new clients, staff, student or members packages• included in coaches or judges education kits or on your website• incorporated into teaching, learning, induction and employment programs• included in an electronic version on your club or association website.

Case history — equine influenza

The devastating effect on the South African horse industry when equine influenza was introduced in horses imported from the USA in 1986 is the type of emergency that Horse Alert SA is designed to prevent or mitigate. Within a few days of the infected horses entering South Africa, the virus had escaped quarantine via in-contact horses, infected a national horse championship and spread to major horse centres across the country. Three-quarters of the 450 horses in training at Turffontein were affected before it was diagnosed. The annual yearling sales were delayed two months and normal racing did not start up again for six months. Despite movement controls and intensive vaccination, outbreaks continued in South Africa and neighbouring countries for nine months.


Implementing Horse Alert SA will not only reduce the risk of an outbreak of equine influenza, but also help prevent or manage other exotic diseases. The strategies in the plan will also help prevent and control outbreaks of infections already present in Australia, such as strangles and anthrax.

Case history — foot and mouth disease

The activities of the horse industry in England were severely disrupted by the recent foot and mouth disease outbreak, even though horses are not infected with the virus. It was estimated that the industry lost £100 million a month in the first three months of the outbreak. Trainers, stable hands, jockeys, saddlers, farriers, veterinary surgeons, fodder suppliers, caterers, course designers, photographers, suppliers of tents, portable stables and cleaning services were affected.

Applying Horse Alert SA on horse establishments will also help put the operators in a better position to cope with local movement restrictions that might be imposed because of major disease outbreaks that occur in other animals in the area.

All exotic diseases are notifiable, as are many infections that already occur in Australia. These include diseases of horses only (e.g. contagious equine metritis) or others that also affect other species, some including humans (e.g. rabies, hendra virus). Notification to authorities allows agreed control measures to be implemented to reduce the economic, human health and social consequences.

Emergency horse diseases that are considered a threat to Australian horse industries are described in a national plan called AUSVETPLAN, along with disease management strategies. Horse Alert SA sits underneath AUSVETPLAN as an AWARENESS level document.


SECTION 1EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE RESPONSEHOW TO RESPOND WHEN YOU SUSPECTA NEW OR UNUSUAL DISEASE


INDICATORS OF POTENTIAL EMERGENCY DISEASE

Unusually high numbers of sick horses

Dead horses

Blisters, ulcers or erosions around the feet or mouth

Profuse bloody diarrhoea

Severe hacking cough

Nervousness or other behaviour change

Unexplained lethargy, listlessness or depression

Rapid spread of signs and symptoms throughout the stable

Recent overseas contact

CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY


Use the ABCDALERT * BEWARE * CONTACT * DECIDE

as key words to remember what to do

ALERT — increase your own alertness

Every day, routinely assess and compare the current state of horse health and behaviour from what you know is normal and familiar for that animal(s)

BEWARE and Be Smart

Never assume that an exotic or emergency disease is not involved with an unfamiliar condition in a horse — when in doubt rule it out. Get immediate advice

CONTACT — call an expert for advice

DECIDE — don’t ignore an unfamiliar disease

Decide to get an expert Diagnosis and Decision on what to do for any unfamiliar condition. Eliminate doubt as soon as possible.


So, pay attention to this!

HYGIENE — STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Isolation• Isolate sick animal(s) from healthy ones at first signs of sickness.• Isolate ‘in-contact’ horses and check temperatures twice each day.• Stop manure, urine and other waste products which have been in touch with the suspect horse from

entering water courses, drainage system or public rubbish bins and dumps.

Hygiene• Handle sick and isolated horses last or have allocated people handle them who do not handle any other

horses.• Use separate equipment preferably, or at least clean and disinfect it between use.• Wash hands between handling all horses.• Wear protective clothing such as overalls when attending to sick animals and take them off for washing

before moving on to other tasks.

Standstill• Stop horses leaving the premises.• Stop entry of new horses unless they can be completely isolated.

Call your vet immediately (fill this in now for future reference):

Phone Dr: _____________________ office _____________________ mobile

PIRSA on the emergency hotline below*

Remember the right thing to do is call the vet first!Look. Check. Ask a vet.

If you are not in charge of the horses at the time, check with the owner or supervisor first. If you cannot contact the person responsible for the horses and are concerned about the problem, call the vet yourself. When you make the call, make sure you talk to someone who can respond — don’t leave a message. DON’T BE SHY if you can’t get your regular horse vet, call any vet or the hotline:

*EMERGENCY DISEASE WATCH HOTLINE PH 1800 675 888


WHAT INFORMATION WILL YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED TO

SUPPLY TO A VET?Name, address and contact details of the property where the horse is kept

Owners name and contact details

Species (if other than horses), which may also be affected

Total number of horses on the property

Number of sick horses, grouped by age and sex if possible

Number of dead horses

Has there been any recent overseas contact? Which country?Date of last contact?

Description of signs and symptoms

Clear directions to the suspect property

Travel history of the suspected horse(s) for the last three weeks

All treatments, feeds and feed sources given to the horse in the last 10 days


WHY SHOULD I CALL A VET?

Too many disease outbreaks have got out of control by people thinking: ‘I’ll wait a few days and see how things turn out’ or ‘I’ll try a treatment and if that fails I’ll get professional help’.

Early action and investigation are crucial in limiting the spread and effects of a disease.

Have it checked before trying to identify or treat the problem yourself.

The Government meets the costs of laboratory investigations of a suspected emergency disease.

Many emergency diseases appear similar. Often it is only in the laboratory that an emergency disease diagnosis can be made or ruled out. South Australia has a local laboratory with capabilities to recognise and refer cases that may represent an EAD.

All exotic diseases are notifiable. These include specific diseases of horses (e.g. contagious equine metritis); others that may also affect other species and some that may affect people (e.g. rabies, hendra virus). Notification to authorities allows agreed control measures to be implemented to reduce the economic, human health and social consequences.

Even if it is not an emergency, the sick horse(s) will be properly attended to. It’s also a lot better to have several false alarms than to miss the early indications of a major disease outbreak. Keeping suspicions to yourself might lead to a major outbreak that could otherwise have been managed relatively quickly and easily.

What will my vet do?A vet who identifies or suspects an emergency disease takes on the responsibility for official notification, and must notify PIRSA immediately. PIRSA treats this information as strictly confidential.

Depending on the type of disease, the vet may also:• help you determine how best to isolate affected and in-contact horses from healthy ones• advise how to minimise the spread of the disease to other horses• warn about any possible transmission of disease to humans and how to prevent it• treat the horse(s) if appropriate• stay with you on the property until an investigation team arrives, so as not to risk spreading infection further.

How will my information be handled?As part of the suspected disease outbreak, information about your property, stock and movements will be collected. All animal disease investigations are treated as strictly confidential and only people directly involved in the investigation would routinely know whose property and horses were involved.

To help trace the movements of in-contact horses, the identity of a suspect, infected or contact premises may have to be disclosed to other authorities or people assisting with the investigation, such as horse owners, transport drivers and others who may have handled in-contact horses. These people would also be advised that they must treat the information confidentially.

In some cases where animals have moved from a farm, stable or event, or have been in an infected area and the animals cannot be located, it may be necessary to identify this district or locality more widely to alert people to the risk. Disclosure of specific information for the purposes of disease control is permissible in South Australia.

General alerts referring to an area would also be made to help stop the spread of disease.

Unfortunately, this may not prevent rumours but a communication campaign will be launched to provide accurate information to the horse industry and the public.

In some cases it may be in the interests of the owner and others to make it quite clear to the public or industry the premises and horses that are involved and which ones are not.


What might happen if it is an emergency disease?It is worth noting that, to successfully control the vast majority of horse disease emergencies, humane destruction of horses will NOT be needed. In South Australia, responsibility for controlling or eradicating livestock disease rests with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries under the Livestock Act. The Livestock Act is implemented by the Chief Inspector of Stock (PIRSA, Animal Health Unit).

Depending on the seriousness of the livestock disease, steps for its control may be taken by the Minister or the Chief Inspector of Stock and could include these actions and orders:• quarantining a property or an area• ordering a standstill on horse movements in a defined area or throughout the state• prohibiting gatherings of horses• ordering the treatment or vaccination of horses• ordering the cleaning and disinfecting of premises, trucks, and equipment• prescribing methods to control insects and animals pests.

Other states may impose similar restrictions on the movement of horses from South Australia until the disease is diagnosed and the situation is more clearly understood.

Depending on the particular disease, the ongoing control or eradication program could vary in scale from local movement restrictions and treatment of suspect and in-contact horses, through to movement standstills over a large prescribed area and large-scale vaccination of horses at risk (e.g. for equine influenza).

Various livestock industries and the Commonwealth and state governments have jointly agreed to a national cost sharing agreement for the control of prescribed emergency diseases. This is called the ‘Government and Livestock Industry Cost Sharing Deed of Agreement’ (EAD Response Agreement). Once the Agreement comes into effect, costs incurred to eradicate the disease are covered by a predetermined mix of industry and government funds.

As of July 2004, the horse industry has not signed the agreement so there is currently no agreed mechanism in place to fund the cost of responding to and eradicating an emergency horse disease.

Consequential loss to business as a result of an emergency disease is not covered by the Agreement. Any such compensation would be a matter for separate government consideration (if at all).


EXAMPLE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR AN EMERGENCY DISEASE

OUTBREAK (Equine ‘flu example)

Horse owners or supervisors will need to support PIRSA staff in these actions

Establishment of a control area• Total movement control on infected and dangerous contact premises (stock standstill)• Preventing movement and gatherings of horses within a 10 km Restricted Area• Establishing exit points out of the Restricted Area for controlling of horses that are moving under permit

to quarantine or have been vaccinated• Stopping horse movements in a surrounding Control Area except as allowed by written permits.

Eradication and contol procedures implemented• Disinfecting premises, vehicles and equipment• Procuring vaccine, vaccinating (twice at 4–6 week intervals) and permanently identifying vaccinated horses

on infected and dangerous contact premises, and possibly in the Restricted Area• Treating sick horses• Disposing properly of any infected or suspect animals that die• Monitoring the incidence of infection and progress of the vaccination program and adjusting area boundaries

as needed• Tracing in-contact and potentially infected horses that were on infected premises in the previous 7 days• Tracing movements of horse transports and people that were at infected premises in the previous 3 days

and possibly longer• Tracing back movements that had occurred onto the infected premises that may have introduced the

infection• Maintaining surveillance of horses on dangerous contact premises for at least 7 days after last contact.

Recovery

PIRSA will work on a recovery plan with industry representatives, so a ‘back to business’ can occur as soon as possible.


Specific contingency plans should be developed for individual premises, i.e. a major training centre, or for events, such as a race meeting or a large equestrian competition. Refer to Horse Alert Fact Sheet 3 (Section 3) for further information.

It is worth remembering that the costs of control of equine emergency diseases will be largely borne by the horse industry. Should the horse industry sign the EAD Response Agreement control measures for half of the listed equine diseases would still require a funding commitment of 80% from the horse industry.

AUSVETPLAN response to other equine emergency diseasesAUSVETPLAN disease strategies have been developed for African horse sickness, rabies, screw-worm fly, contagious equine metritis and vesicular stomatitis. The strategies for glanders and surra are currently being finalised and will be available shortly.

PDF versions of these and other AUSVETPLAN modules can be downloaded from http://www.aahc.com.au/ausvetplan

Most diseases will be controlled by a combination of some or all of the following measures:• isolation and quarantine• movement controls in defined areas• surveillance inspections and testing• hygiene, cleaning and disinfection• vaccination• treatment with appropriate drugs• insect control.

Information on some of the major horse diseases covered by the EAD Response Agreement are covered later in this document.

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN A DISEASE EMERGENCY IS DECLARED

When the Chief Inspector of Stock agrees that an emergency horse disease is suspected, or when it is confirmed, the Minister may move to restrict horse movements and gatherings to limit the possible spread of disease. PIRSA may also impose specific disease control measures on affected premises, as instructions by an official Order under the Livestock Act.

Owners of premises involved in the response are legally obliged to comply with these orders even though they may not be the owners of the animals involved. An Order could extend for several weeks.

A response will probably involve more premises than just the place on which infection had been first found. These may be premises in a declared area or places to which animals, people or items have recently moved.

Disease control measures such as these involve commitment and expenditure. Where horses are agisted or visiting for stud, training or other purposes, it may be necessary to get assistance. Discuss this with the PIRSA inspector supervising your premises.

If you suspect that your horse is getting sick, don’t take it to stud, new agistment, a track or event!

Where large numbers of horses, people and vehicles are gathered for training, a race meeting, show or other horse event, the site manager or supervisor may have limited control over the horses on the site and probably even less over the people and their vehicles. Such events would include pony club meets, equestrian events, agricultural shows, polo and polocrosse competitions, camp drafting and endurance rides.


It is likely that several people including the owner and handlers of the horse will know that there is a potential problem before the race or event officials.

Racing and elite level equestrian events usually have one or more attending veterinarians who are primarily charged with monitoring the fitness and welfare of the competing horses. A sick horse may be detected in this way. Before such events, the health of competing horses is monitored very closely and owners should not bring a horse to an event if they feel it is not going to be competitive.

The great majority of horse events take place over a day or less and do not have a veterinarian in attendance. The owner or person in charge of a horse that becomes sick at the event could well remove it from the venue just because it is not going to perform well before anyone realises.

When someone advises organisers that they are taking their horse home because it is off-colour or sick, the possibility that it could be a contagious disease should be considered.

A horse that is off-colour after returning from an event could be incubating a contagious disease.

At events at which horses are not stabled, the risk of spread will be reduced if horses are tied-up well away from other horses so there is little, if any, direct contact.

If, however, an emergency horse disease is detected or suspected on the site, this presents special challenges.


MANAGING RISK AT YOUR STABLES OR A PROPERTY

If your property is located in a DECLARED AREA, you need to do the following:

Isolation and quarantine• Isolate any sick or suspect horse or group of horses in contact with diseased horses.

(Horses in adjoining stalls or paddocks are not considered to be isolated.)• Move horses away from property boundaries.• Ensure that waste and effluent from sick horses is disposed of in a way that does not place other horses at

risk.

Movements• Stop all animal movements, floats, foodstuffs, tack and equipment on and off premises as required by a

quarantine order.• Provide records of horse ownership and movements.

Handling and monitoring horses• Attend to healthy horses before sick horses.• Wear protective clothing such as overalls and dedicated boots when handling sick horses. Wash hands and

disinfect and launder protective clothing immediately afterwards.• Treat or vaccinate sick horses as directed by a government or private veterinarian.• Notify further cases of affected animals.• Assist with the sampling of horses to establish whether an infection is present.

Environment• Carry out insect control measures including animal treatments and spraying as directed.• Disinfect fixtures, equipment, and other areas that may be contaminated as directed.• Destroy stable waste and bedding in an approved manner.


Example

GUIDE FOR HORSE RACE AND EVENT ORGANISERSIf a disease outbreak is suspected at a horse event

The person in charge of the event must be identified and accept responsibility for taking action at the event.

At race meetings, this is the Chief Steward. At other horse gatherings, the responsible person may be a show secretary, chief steward, judge or coach. Responsibilities for the identified head person must include knowledge of the steps to take to report and control a suspected horse disease.

Notify your vet first on:

Phone_______________________ (office) _______________________ (mobile),

ALL HORSE EVENTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO HAVE A VET ‘ON CALL’ IF NOT ON SITE

Emergency Disease Watch Hotline Ph 1800 675 888

Immediately report the problem and seek advice about what to do and what to say to people on the site.

Then, working with your veterinarian:

STOP ALL HORSE MOVEMENTS (horses entering and leaving the property). As rumours can spread quickly, it is essential that the site manager can implement a stock standstill as quickly as possible without causing panic.

SECURE all entrances to the property in such a manner that does not jeopardise the safety of people or animals.

ANNOUNCE why this has been done and what action is being taken to clarify the situation.

RECORD all movements. Record the identities and destination of any people, vehicles and/or animals that do leave the property or site. Also, identify those who have already left. The government veterinarian will need this information to trace movements that affect disease control.

INFORM people. In an emergency, people find it easier to understand and cooperate with control procedures if they are given accurate information and can discuss issues with informed people.


Example

Horse movement record for horse race and event organisersPhotocopy the following form ready for use at your horse event or race meeting.

NAME OF EVENT: _________________________________________________________________________

VENUE: __________________________________________________________________________________

DATE: ____________________________________________________________________________________

OFFICIALS NAME (person collecting the information): ____________________________________________

(Insert your organisations sample privacy statement)

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

DETAILS OF THE PERSON CURRENTLY IN CHARGE OF THE HORSE

Name/s ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________

Ph (h) __________________________ (w) ___________________________ mobile _____________________

Fax __________________________ Email ________________________________________________________

CONTACT DETAILS OF THE DESTINATION WHERE THE HORSE IS BEING TAKEN

Name/s ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________

Ph (h) __________________________ (w) ___________________________ mobile ______________________

Fax __________________________ Email ________________________________________________________

Clear directions to the destination property _______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Travel history of the suspected horse(s) for the last 3 weeks including drivers, transport companies ___________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________


Example

Example of a public announcement for horse race and event organisers

A public announcement to inform people on the race/event site may include:1. What disease is suspected (or just that one, yet to be identified, is suspected).2. What the likely and possible effects on horses and people might be.3. Why it is important to take control action.4. What action has been taken.5. What is being done to investigate the situation and clarify the suspicion.6. What cooperation is required of the people present.7. When is it expected that people, vehicles and/or horses could move away from the site and under what if

any conditions.8. That authorities appreciate the concerns of the people affected by these actions.9. What is being done to cater for their needs and concerns (e.g. holding, feeding and watering horses).10. When further information will be provided.11. Who is the designated person to speak to if necessary.

The wide range of issues associated with these statements indicates the complexity of dealing with an infectious horse disease at an event. People may be angry at having their personal arrangements disrupted. They may become uncooperative. Hence, there is a need for planned and rehearsed arrangements in accordance with a detailed contingency plan. Such contingency plans should include details as to how the requirements listed above for smaller properties can be achieved and should also include:

• A means to control human and horse movements through a (preferably) single entry and exit point that is supervised, and through which all approved movements are recorded. Other gates should be locked. There may be a need to establish a disinfection facility at the entry/exit.

• Details of the provision of isolation facilities, food and water and approved waste disposal. These may become major issues for the people involved.

• Disinfection of people, site, equipment and vehicles, and provision of associated supplies.• How and where to handle sick horses.• How to undertake euthanasia and carcase disposal.• A means of always keeping records of movements so that tracing horses is made simple.• Who is to carry out the duties required, including a single designated media spokesperson.• Who is to be contacted and how.• Compliance with Codes of Practice for the welfare of horses.

Such contingency plans should be checked periodically for effectiveness and practicality.


SECTION 2RESPONSIBILITIESGovernment and industry arrangementsfor responding to an animal disease emergency


NATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The Commonwealth Government has powers under the Quarantine Act 1908 to control the import and export of animals and products. Under the Australian Constitution, control of animal disease is the responsibility of the states and territories. This means that the South Australian Government, through PIRSA Animal Health, will be the lead agency mounting the response.

In March 2002, the EAD Response Agreement was ratified. The agreement deals with what is going to happen and who pays. It provides certainty of funding for the initial response to a disease incursion or outbreak through a partnership of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and major livestock industry organisations. It specifies 63 diseases, divided into four categories. The apportioning of the government and industry share of costs for each category depends on who benefits from controlling and eradicating the infection. This is measured in terms of the impact on human health, socio-economic well-being, the environment, animal production and trade.

The prescribed diseases that affect horses are listed in Table 1.

Table 1 Diseases that affect horses scheduled under the EAD Response Agreement

EAD Response categoryGvt: ind cost sharing ratio*

Disease Affects people

Transmitted by insects

1 Japanese encephalitis 3 3

100:0 Rabies 3 —Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitides

3 3

2 Glanders 3 —

80:20 Hendra virus infection 3 —

Screw-worm fly 3 3

Vesicular stomatitis 3 ?

3 African horse sickness — 3

50:50 Anthrax (major outbreaks) 3 —

4 Borna disease — ?

20:80 Contagious equine metritis — —

Dourine — —

Epizootic lymphangitis — —

Equine babesiosis — 3

Equine encephalosis — 3

Equine influenza — —

Getah virus infection — 3

Potomac fever — 3

Surra — 3

* Government: industry cost sharing ratio under the EAD Response Agreement is yet to be ratified by the horse industry.


The costs to which each party is liable are managed by applying an ‘agreed limit’ that ensures intense scrutiny of costs and benefits by the parties before committing to further spending. The livestock industry contributions are collected by a variety of means appropriate to particular industries, but usually by a predetermined levy to be implemented under industry arrangements.

As well as provisions relating to cost sharing, the Agreement has many other important provisions relating to the conduct of an EAD response. In particular, it requires the use of the AUSVETPLAN and defines standards for training of response personnel, accounting and auditing. It also refers to National Animal Health Performance Standards (or benchmarks) that are being developed across all sectors of the animal health system.

The EAD Response Agreement also requires each industry to improve its biosecurity arrangements. The National Disease Risk Mitigation Program involves each industry party preparing and promulgating a plan to improve on-farm biosecurity arrangements. This means encouraging the adoption by all horse owners of some simple measures that will reduce the likelihood of a serious disease being introduced and spreading within and between premises. The 20 simple steps to healthy horses, (Section 3, Horse Alert Fact Sheet 2), outlines such a strategy for horses. In addition, government parties will prepare statements outlining their biosecurity policies and programs including feral animals, public health and environmental policies.

Although the Agreement allows for participation by the horse industry, the industry is not yet a signatory and so cannot take advantage of the cost-sharing provisions. This is expected to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ARRANGEMENTSIn South Australia, the relevant legislation is the Livestock Act. The Livestock Act authorises the South Australian Government to take measures to control and/or eradicate animal diseases. The Livestock Act is administered by PIRSA for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. Additionally, response arrangements may be coordinated under the State Disaster Plan, which is the over-arching plan for all emergencies under the State Disaster Act 1980. The relationships between various government organisations are described in the next paragraph. How government will relate to industry through the PIRSA Horse Industry Advisory Group (HIAG) in the event of a horse disease emergency is shown in Figure 1.

Actions or activities which may have an effect on the environment in relation to emergency disease management should include consultation with the Environment Protection Authority.

OUTLINE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF EADAt the LOCAL LEVEL, the key players are individual horse owners, private vets and PIRSA officers. It is expected a suspect emergency disease outbreak will first be reported to your local veterinarian or by contacting the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline, ph 1800 675 888. The property owner will then need to activate a property Risk Management Plan, perhaps with assistance from the local vet. The local vet and the property owner will continue to be involved, under the direction of the Chief Inspector of Stock, for the duration of the declared outbreak.

At STATE GOVERNMENT LEVEL, the Minister will implement powers available under the Livestock Act in relation to declaration of disease (even if suspect, as laboratory tests may take some time to confirm), i.e. order stock standstills, engagement of persons to manage outbreak and other actions as required. Waiting for a positive confirmation delays intervention. PIRSA can enact full powers under the Livestock Act even on the suspicion of an emergency disease.

The Chief Inspector of Stock will also consult with a range of other stakeholder agencies, including the HIAG, other state government agencies, emergency services and RSPCA.

The Chief Inspector will oversee the establishment of a Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) and a State Disease Control Headquarters (SDCHQ). Horse ILOs may be housed in both or either control centre.


The state government, through PIRSA Executive and the Chief Inspector of Stock, liaises with FEDERAL agencies including the Commonwealth Minister of Agriculture, Animal Health Australia, Emergency Management Australia, the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease and the Major Incidents Committee. If required, the federal government also reports to INTERNATIONAL agencies.

Horse owners and other people having control over horses have responsibilities under the Livestock Act. Diseases that have economic and/or human health consequences are listed in the supporting Regulations. Listed diseases that must be notified to a state government veterinarian or animal health officer are listed as per the Government Gazette.

All exotic diseases are notifiable immediately to PIRSA by the quickest practical means.

Notification to authorities allows agreed control measures to be implemented to reduce the economic, human health and social consequences. The South Australian Livestock Act has equivalents in all states and territories and a serious disease outbreak in one state or territory may result in the banning or the placing of severe restrictions on the movement of animals and products to others.”

Figure 1 Relationships within the South Australian horse industry in the event of a horse disease emergency

STATE DISEASE CONTROLHEADQUARTERS (SDCHQ)

(includes on-site ILOs (IndustryLiaison Officers)

LOCAL DISEASE CONTROL CENTRE (LDCC)

(incluses on-site ILOs)

Sports and recreation groups

Equestrian Federation of AustraliaPony Clubs Association (SA)

Horse Riding Clubs Assoc. (SA)Driving groups

Hunt clubsTrail Riders Association

Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Show and country exhibition societies

PoloPolocrosseEndurance

Other horse groups

Horse Federation SA

HIAG

South Australian Horse Industry Advisory Group to the Minister

Horse service groups

FarriersFodder stores and suppliers

Horse supply retailersTransport drivers (listed)

Registered training organisations

Non-affiliated groups

Farm and urban horsesAgistment property owners

Event venue owners/managersTransport drivers (unlisted)

Abattoir owners

Meat dealers

Communication flow

Stakeholder group

LEGEND

Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing and breeding

Other breeding groups

Other breed societies (e.g. Arabian/Spanish purebred horse breeders)

Australian Equine Veterinary Association

Australian Veterinary Association SA Division


The Livestock Acthas the power to:

• Impose movement controls on animals or products on a property (quarantine) or within a specified area.

• Allow inspectors to enter properties and examine animals.

• Order livestock to be treated or humanely destroyed and disposed of appropriately.

• Order destruction of animal products, feedstuffs etc.

• Compensation may be payable for livestock that die or are ordered to be destroyed, and for items that are destroyed.

• Order buildings and facilities to be disinfected.

• Require people to submit to a disinfection procedure when leaving a property where an infectious disease exists.

• Require animals to undergo specified testing procedures, usually involving the collection of biological specimens for analysis.

• Require livestock owners to provide assistance to muster stock and assist with disease control measures.

• Allow inspectors to take measures to control disease such as implementing vaccination, examining documents, controlling animal movements and controlling insect vectors.


SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HORSE INDUSTRY ARRANGEMENTS

The South Australian horse industry has a poor EAD response system. One example of this is that due to horse owners and organisations currently not facilitating a whole-of-industry registration of horses, it is very difficult to ‘trace back’ where horses have been. Horse Alert SA is an awareness level document which helps begin to address the issues our industry faces.

PIRSA is the key South Australian government agency with responsibility for the overall health of horses. PIRSA works with other agencies, including the Office of Racing and the Office of Recreation and Sport.

PIRSA relates with the horse industries through HIAG for which the terms of reference and representation can be found in Section 3 (Horse Alert Fact Sheet 4).

The relationships between HIAG and industry groups for the purposes of managing and communication during a horse disease emergency are shown in Figure 1.

Racing sectorsUnder the Livestock Act, the racing industry is required to report a suspect emergency disease outbreak to PIRSA.

Under the Australian Rules of Racing and the Australian Harness Racing Rules, articles prescribe actions that must be taken with respect to registering horses (AR.15 and Harness Racing Rule 95, 95A, 96 and 108) and licensing trainers, jockeys, drivers and stable hands (under AR.80 and 81 and Harness Racing Rules 90 and 90A). Licensing of owners, trainers, drivers, jockeys and others in the racing industries gives Racing South Australia and Harness Racing South Australia considerable authority to help manage the risks of emergency diseases occurring and spreading in horses in South Australia.

Stewards have broad powers to enter premises, inspect and secure animals and items (AR.8B and Harness Racing Rules 15, 15A and 16), and the controlling bodies require records of movements through the lodgement of stable returns.

Harness Racing Rule 104(1) requires that ‘If a horse contracts or is suffering any contagious disease or condition specified by the Controlling Body, the connections of the horse must immediately, and in any event within 24 hours of the horse being diagnosed as suffering from the disease or condition, notify the Controlling Body in writing of that fact.’

Other horse organisationsUnder the Livestock Act, all horse event organisers are required to report a suspect emergency disease outbreak to their local veterinarian, or by contacting the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline, ph 1800 675 888.

Standards for events and coaching requirements present groups such as the Equestrian Federation of Australia and the Pony Clubs Association of South Australia with means that could assist the management of some aspects of a horse disease emergency.

For instance, at the highest level, elite equestrian events that involve international horses or which have international recognition that are run under the auspices of the Equestrian Federation of Australia are required to comply with the Veterinary Regulations (9th edn Jan. 2002) of the Federation Equestre Internationale. The first two points in the Code of Conduct state that the horse is paramount in all equestrian sports and that its health and welfare is more important than the demands of people such as breeders, owners, riders, officials and sponsors. The Veterinary Regulations require that, among other things:• a health examination is conducted on arrival• a veterinarian is available to provide emergency care• isolation facilities are available• a 24-hour security system checks the entry and exit of horses and people.

The reality at most equestrian events in Australia is that many horses are already on site before health checks are undertaken.


SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT/INDUSTRY RESPONSE TO AN EAD INCIDENT

Horse owners and other people having control over horses have responsibilities under the Livestock Act. Diseases that have economic and/or human health consequences are listed in the supporting Regulations. Diseases that must be notified to a State Government veterinarian or animal health officer are listed in the Government Gazette.

All exotic diseases are notifiable immediately to PIRSA by the quickest practical means.

Notification to authorities allows agreed control measures to be implemented to reduce the economic, human health and social consequences. All Australian states and territories have similar animal health legislation to the South Australian Livestock Act. Consequently, an exotic disease outbreak in one jurisdiction may result in the imposition of livestock and animal product movement restrictions to other jurisdictions, and this may involve a total entry ban.

When the Minister has declared an emergency disease in horses, or there is sufficient reason to suspect that an equine disease emergency exists, the Chief Inspector of Stock (PIRSA) initiates the appropriate responses as required under AUSVETPLAN, the EAD Response Agreement and South Australian legislation. This will include communicating with organisations responsible for the implementation of emergency responses both nationally and in South Australia.

In the event of an ‘incident’ the principal disease response communication links established with the horse industry are from PIRSA directly, and via the nominated ILOs (Fig. 1). PIRSA and/or ILOs will provide advice to the appropriate industry sector(s) and public including:• The disease that is suspected or confirmed and its epidemiology (i.e. distribution, transmission and control of

disease).• The disease response protocol:

- this will be in accordance with AUSVETPLAN for diseases where a response manual exists (not all exotic horse diseases are covered under AUSVETPLAN)

- this would normally include advice regarding the implementation of a disease eradication versus control program; any relevant treatment recommendations (e.g. vaccination), and appropriate status reports and media releases.

• Actions required of and recommended for industry groups.• The funding category of the disease under the national EAD Response Agreement.

Industry organisations will be expected to provide the following information to PIRSA and/or ILOs:• key stakeholder groups and the most effective means of communicating with them (contact lists etc.)• past and future horse movements and events (used for disease prevention and control planning)• industry contingency plans that are already in place that will assist the response• likely impacts of a control or eradication program.

HIAG is not a response agency during a horse disease emergency. HIAG would be another industry stakeholder group. (HIAG may be asked to assist PIRSA and/or ILOs or other industry groups with communications between PIRSA and industry, or to research and advise the Minister on the impact of the disease and/or the response.)

Industry Liaison Officers

ILOs are appointed as necessary to facilitate communication and understanding between government and the horse industry. One or more ILOs will be incorporated into a Technical Section of a Local Disease Control Centre, and an ILO Coordinator may be attached to the State Disease Control Headquarters.

Refer to Part B Appendix G* for role descriptions of the ILO positions. They are to be filled where possible by people who have been trained and accredited under National EAD Competency Standards for that role.

_________________________________________________________________________________

*Part B: Control is issued to registered ILOs, who may play a key role should an EAD outbreak occur.


SECTION 3RELATED MATTERSOverview of related threats to the South Australian horse industry


WHAT ARE THE THREATS OF AN EMERGENCY HORSE DISEASE?

A horse disease emergency in South Australia, or in another part of Australia that might affect South Australia, represents a significant threat to the well being of the people and horses of this state. The horse industries are major contributors to the South Australian economy.

Thoroughbred racingThoroughbred racing contributes approximately $180 million to the State economy, creates around 2,500 full-time equivalent jobs, and is supported by roughly 7,500 thoroughbred race horse owners and 500 registered breeders. At any time, over 2500 horses are in training attending 26 race club venues and entering in over 1400 races.

Harness racingHarness Racing South Australia manages an industry that has 12 clubs that hold more than 200 meetings a year on eight tracks. There are over 1500 horses in training and about 2500 registered owners, 469 trainers, 315 drivers and 213 stablehands. Its total economic impact is about $25 million and it creates an estimated 1000–1500 full-time and part-time jobs, the majority of which are located in regional South Australia.

Other sectors of the horse industryThe non-racing sector of the horse industry covers such diverse activities as equestrian events, trail and endurance riding, pony clubs, Riding for the Disabled, polo and polocrosse, rodeos and on-farm work. The activities of many of these groups are overseen by organisations such as the South Australian Branch of the Equestrian Federation of Australia, the Pony Club Association of South Australia, the Horse Riding Clubs Association of South Australia, the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association, and a wide range of breed societies and agricultural societies.

These and other horse organisations hold thousands of events every year across South Australia. There is also significant movement into and out of the state for major events at which South Australian horses are in contact with horses from other parts of Australia.

Small businessThe horse industry, both racing and recreational, supports a significant small business base. The sector is made up of many sole traders and partnerships and includes:

• agistment centres

• alternative therapists and service providers including clipping and massage

• breeders, commercial and private

• coaches, riding schools and trail riding centres

• farriers

• fodder growers, manufacturers and suppliers

• horse breakers, trainers and re-educators

• saddlers, horse equipment manufacturers and repairers

• small and large horse transport operators

• veterinarians, equine vet nurses, veterinary supply wholesalers.

Every one of these would suffer immediate hardship should the horse industry experience an EAD outbreak.

Consequent risks faced by industryRegardless of whether we are considering a single horse under the control of a teenager, a pony or equestrian club, or an organisation associated with professional racing, the common denominator is that all of them involve horses. Horse diseases can spread rapidly. Therefore, all components of the horse industry in South Australia must be involved in maintaining the health of horses under their control.

The horse industry in South Australia is extremely varied involving many organisations and supporting services. This complexity adds to the risks of failure in one or more areas with consequential implications for the whole industry. The types of risk that could occur are given below.


Threats to effective management of an EAD outbreakThe threats that industry has identified as having highest priority for improvement are noted with an asterisk (*).

HEALTH MANAGEMENT

• Deficiencies in, or the absence of, best health management plans*• movement of sick horses to races, training tracks, showgrounds and events*• an inability to isolate sick horses in some stable complexes*• a potential emergency disease may not be recognised by a supervisor or veterinarian*• lack of knowledge of best health practices for control and eradication of horse diseases*• the high density of horses in small areas across the state• potential for contaminated facilities such as communal stalls, washes and sand rolls• complacency• lack of awareness and surveillance• people may not know who to contact• people may be reluctant to report illness because of uncertainty and fear about what might happen to them and

their horses• delays in diagnosis thereby jeopardising successful control• lack of timely access to vaccines.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Inadequate training of people in the racing industries and of general equestrian and breed society officials.

COMMUNICATION

• Difficulty in informing all horse owners of risks and courses of action to take in the event of an EAD*• poor communication between different sectors of the industry• lack of information about the identities of horses, their owners and locations, particularly in the recreational sector• inadequate dissemination of information on disease awareness and good health practices• media may cause unnecessary concern on a disease outbreak or be unhelpful in disseminating factual information.

POLICY AND FUNDING

Until the horse industry is a party to the national government–industry EAD Response Agreement, there is no access to national funding. Financial responsibility for a response in the absence of national funding must be negotiated by the horse and associated services industries with the state government. THIS IS A CRITICAL DEFICIENCY.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND RECOVERY

• Lack of plans to ensure business continuity and business recovery.

Addressing the threatsMany of these threats are covered in Horse Alert SA.

Individual people in the industry have a major role to play by keeping alert to the potential for an emergency disease to occur at any time and knowing what to do if that eventuates. They can reduce the potential effects of an emergency disease and, in fact, other diseases by implementing best health practices on their properties and stables every day of the year.

Horse Alert Fact Sheet 3 outlines the content of a contingency plan for specific premises or events. To assist in the development of more specific plans, such as for a racecourse, an organisation like Horse SA could develop a model plan for a medium-size club, and others could then adapt this for their own venue.


The 20 simple steps to healthy horses (Horse Alert Fact Sheet 2) that can be taken to reduce the risk of a disease emergency are simple! However, even simple measures can often be overlooked or ignored. Putting them into practice will reduce the chance of a horse contracting a serious disease and of introducing a serious disease to the property. It will also reduce the chance of a horse being affected by, or spreading more common infections, like ‘coughs and colds’ that cost the horse industry millions of dollars every year.

HORSE ALERT FACT SHEETS1 Emergency diseases of horses

2 20 simple steps to healthy horses

3 Outline for a contingency plan

4 PIRSA Horse Industry Advisory Group terms of reference

5 National Emergency Disease Program: Look. Check. Ask A Vet.


Horse Alert Fact Sheet 1 EMERGENCY DISEASES OF HORSES

Horse Alert SA: visit www.pir.sa.gov.au or www.horsesa.asn.au

Place your horse club or business contact details here: ________________________________________

EQUINE FLU What to look out for:• Fever (up to 41 °C) after 1–5 days incubation• Frequent dry, hacking cough• Nasal discharge, moving from clear to thick• Lethargic, loss of appetite• Foals or weak horses may die• High number of horses exposed will get sick• Virus can spread on equipment and in trucks

HENDRA VIRUS What to look out for:• Copious frothy nasal discharge • Off feed, depression, then fever• Shallow, rapid, labored breathing• Red membranes, incoordination• Head pressing or swelling under skin• Death

AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS What to look out for:• Lung form: sudden fever, panting, copious amounts of

frothy nasal discharge, forelegs apart, head extended, sweaty; dies in 4–24 hours.

• Heart form: high temperature for3–4 days, swelling behind eyes, on lips, cheek, tongue; may die.

• Other forms: temperature above 40 °C for 1–2 days, inflamed conjunctivae, breathing difficulty; rapid recovery.

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS What to look out for:• Off feed, sluggish, difficulty swallowing• Red mucus membranes, may have pinpoint bleeding• Nervousness, staggering, falling, rigidity• Fever, aimless wandering behaviour• Bad cases go blind, sweat, muscle tremble, collapse and die

(up to 40% death rate)

HORSE SA

Please note: Pictures are for illustration purposes only as some depictions are not real cases.


ANTHRAX What to look out for:• Colic signs for 1–3 days• Fever, sweating• Extensive swelling of lower parts of the body• Other animals die quickly, often with no signs• Humans get an angry sore on infection site before

getting very sick

SURRA What to look out for:• Death after long illness of 5–60 days• Fever, weakness, lethargy• Progressive weight loss, anaemia or jaundice• Swelling of legs, brisket and abdomen• Pinpoint bleeding of membranes• Affects broad range including dogs and cattle

CONTAGIOUS EQUINE METRITIS What to look out for:• Odourless discharge from vagina 1–3 days after mating• Mares inflamed vagina; stallions no signs• Mares may return to heat a few days after infection• Venereal disease often spread by poor stud hygiene

RABIES What to look out for:• Change in behaviour, nervousness• Depression, quiet moving to irritable and excited• Appear lame, staggers, drool saliva• Off feed, colicky• Later become uncoordinated and paralysed• Death within 10 days of showing signs

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Veterinary clinic contact details/stamp

Please note: Pictures are for illustration purposes only as some depictions are not real cases.


Horse Alert Fact Sheet 2 20 SIMPLE STEPS TO HEALTHY HORSES

TRAINING1. Train staff in disease prevention, identification and control procedures.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES2. Control insects. Good drainage and manure management help prevent insects like mosquitoes and

March flies from breeding.3. Control rodents and keep food in rodent-proof containers.4. Give a full course of vaccinations and regular boosters for diseases like tetanus, strangles and equine

herpes virus.5. Use a fresh needle and syringe for every horse when vaccinating or giving medicine.6. Verify proof of vaccination for new arrivals.7. Isolate new arrivals from resident horses for ten (10) days or introduce horses only from premises

with known high health status. Pay particular attention to horses that have come from sales complexes, have been transported over long distances by commercial transport or recently returned from events. (Where space limits isolation of introductions, pay more attention to good hygiene, handling them last and checking their temperatures daily.)

8. Isolate horses at the first sign of sickness until contagious disease has been ruled out. Keep their gear separate.

9. Handle, feed and water sick horses last or use separate staff and equipment.10. Do not move sick horses except for veterinary treatment or under veterinary supervision.11. Avoid the use of communal watering troughs when away from home.

12. Contact a veterinarian or government officer immediately if unusual sickness or unexplained death occurs, especially if it is something you have not seen before.

HORSE MANAGEMENT13. If horses are stabled, take daily rectal temperatures. Fever immediately suggests the presence of

disease.14. Group horses, by use and ages, in as small groups as practicable, e.g. keep yearlings separate from

older horses and pregnant mares, and competition horses away from stay-at-home horses.15. Keep records of movements of horses and semen so contacts can be traced in the event of a disease

outbreak

CLEANLINESS16. Regularly clean and disinfect stables, equipment and transport vehicles. Remove as much soil and

organic material as possible before disinfecting.17. Clean, and then disinfect equipment such as tooth rasps, stomach tubes, endoscopes and twitches

between use on different groups of horses.18. Wash hands between handling groups of horses and use separate protective clothing and footwear

when handling any sick horses, or handle them last.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT19. Keep boundary fences in good condition. Barriers such as double fencing and tree plantations

increase perimeter security.20. Avoid locating horse operations in swampy areas, near bat colonies or intensive piggeries, as these

may be carriers of some viruses that affect horses.


Example

Horse Alert Fact Sheet 3OUTLINE FOR A CONTINGENCY PLAN

An outbreak of a serious disease, such as equine influenza at a racetrack or horse event, requires rapid action. A contingency plan to cope with such an outbreak could be structured as described below. Assistance from your local veterinarian may be required:

Cover page TitleStatement of purpose of the planAuthority for the plan.

Table of contents Lists the contents of the document.

Event log Structured means of recording actions taken for subsequent review and improvement of procedures.

Approach Identifies broadly the approach to be taken and roles and responsibilities of teams and individuals.

Actions Lists actions that might be necessary with associated responsibilities, timings and resources. Covers such items as:• exit controls• disinfection• isolation• treatment• care of animals• waste disposal• records• public announcements• media liaison• advice to others organisations.

Disease fact sheets Provides indications of disease and immediate treatment.

Hygiene Identifies special measures to control spread of infection.

Contact list Comprehensive list with after-hours numbers and identifies responsibilities for keeping up to date.

Inventory Supplies on siteAdditional resources required and sources.

Testing and maintenance of plan

Testing arrangementsReview timetable.


Horse Alert Fact Sheet 4SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HORSE INDUSTRY ADVISORY GROUP TERMS OF REFERENCE

TERMS OF REFERENCEThe South Australian Horse Industry Advisory Group (HIAG), under the Livestock Act, will provide advice to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries on a range of matters, either on its own initiative or as requested by the Minister. This will be done by:• Providing to the Minister advice on the operation of the Livestock Act in relation to the horse

industries in particular.• Providing direction for the development of property registration, industry code of practice, vendor

declarations and relevant regulations for the horse industry.• Providing a consultation forum between industry and government on other issues directly related to

the horse industry in this state.• Providing to the Minister advice on the establishment of a contributory fund for the horse industry

and application of the funds as set out in the regulations or trustee deed of the fund.

MEMBERSHIPHIAG will consist of nine members appointed by the Minister, of whom:• Four appointed members will be from industry organisations representing the:

- horse breeding industry- racing industry- Office for Recreation and Sport Industry- Australian Equine Veterinary Association.

• Three nominated horse owners representing the South, Central (including Kangaroo Island) and Northern/West Coast regions of the state.

• Horse SA.


Horse Alert Fact Sheet 5NATIONAL EMERGENCY DISEASE PROGRAMLOOK. CHECK. ASK A VET.

EMERGENCY DISEASE WATCH HOTLINE 1800 675 888

PROTECT AUSTRALIAN LIVESTOCK CAMPAIGN

INFORMATION FOR PRODUCERS

Producers are at the frontline of exotic disease detection and are our best weapon in ensuring that if a disease does enter the country, authorities can mount a quick and successful response. The impact of an exotic disease incursion would be devastating with losses to trade and employment, and damaging our enviable reputation as a ‘clean-green’ supplier of livestock and livestock products.

Our livestock industry, including meat and livestock products, is worth about $14 billion each year, with horse racing and recreational horse use accounting for up to about another $1 billion.

You can play a vital role in protecting this industry by simply following the motto: LOOK. CHECK. ASK A VET.

LOOK. Inspect your stock on a regular basis.

CHECK. Check for unusual disease symptoms, abnormal behaviour or unexplained deaths.

ASK A VET. If you notice any unusual signs, contact your local veterinarian immediately or call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

What is an Emergency Animal Disease?

Emergency animal diseases can be ones brought in from other countries (exotic diseases) or new ones which may originate from within Australia. They can also be diseases we have here already (endemic diseases) but for some reason they get out of control or become more severe.

Emergency animal diseases include foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle disease, Hendra virus, rabies, screw-worm fly, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE - or ‘mad cow disease), sheep pox, African swine fever and avian influenza.

What should I do if I suspect an emergency animal disease outbreak?

‘Look. Check. Ask A Vet “ - Early detection will greatly assist in the control of emergency animal diseases.

It may not be an emergency animal disease - but it’s better to know. It’s a part of sound animal husbandry - (looking after your valuable assets)


Keep suspect livestock on your property and isolate them from other animals - if contaminated stock come into contact with other livestock a contagious disease, such as foot-and-mouth, could rapidly become a national epidemic with dramatic implications, as we saw in Britain.

Seek help from your nearest government veterinary officer, stock inspector, or private veterinarian.

A special Emergency Disease Watch Hotline is also available so producers can promptly report any unusual disease signs or large numbers of deaths in their livestock for the cost of a local call. The number is 1800 675 888.

Who is running the campaign?

The Protect Australian Livestock Campaign is organised by Animal Health Australia - a not-for-profit public company which brings together animal industry sectors and the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.

Raising awareness about emergency animal diseases is part of the organisation’s Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness Program which aims to improve early recognition of an emergency disease, minimise the opportunities for disease to spread and provide for a rapid and effective response.

Animal Health Australia works with the Australian animal health service system to maintain acceptable national animal health standards which meet consumer needs and market requirements at home and overseas, and to improve the nature and delivery of priority animal health services in Australia.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information about the Campaign please contact:

Jamie PenroseManager, Communications and Member ServicesPhone: (02) 6203 3907Fax: (02) 6232 5511Email: [email protected]

Documents

Horse Alert - pir.sa.gov.au · management of a disease emergency. In South Australia, PIRSA Animal Health is the primary response agency in an emergency disease outbreak. • Section