Regarding the Equine Flu?

Question

have any other Aussies out there been affected by this? I work for TABCorp and we have lost millions in revenue. I am glad that we are getting back to normal. It must be a struggle for you?

Answer 1

I read about that. It's a real problem. It has a 99.9% infection rate in unvaccinated populations, and in countries like Australia, where it's never occurred, and therefore you've never taken that extra expense, it can ruin you. The only thing you can do is simply give all of your horses the shots from here on out. You guys only got the non-fatal kind though, so you should count your blessings.

Answer 2

Yeah im from syd., thats why im here.

Answer 3

I'm not affected by it as Ia m in GB, but you guys have my deepest sympathies.

I'd just like to correct Aaron though - there is no such thing as a fatal or non-fatal strain of EI.  EI CAN be fatal if it infects very old or very young horses, or those with existing respiratory problems.

This is why John Messara (President of TB Aus) is calling for vaccinations.  The outbreak in the Hunter Valley - home to some of the largest stud farms and some 40% of the annual AUS foal crop - could result in the deaths of thousands of foals that will be born over the next few months.

All that can be done now is wait and see as the AUS government are not going down the vaccination route as yet.