With Australia on the verge of an EI-free status, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper has commended all Victorian horse owners for their role in ensuring Victoria remained free from the virus.
Australia is set to officially declare itself EI free on Monday, as the end of June would mark six months since the final reported cases of EI in New South Wales and Queensland.
From Tuesday, horse owners north of the Murray River would no longer need to obtain a Victorian Horse Entry Declaration (VHED) to bring their horses into Victoria.
“Victoria was fortunate to remain free of EI, which is a great achievement,” Mr Helper said.
“The Brumby Government has worked hard with Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer and other agencies to stop horse flu from crossing our borders.
“However, this would not have been possible without Victorian horse owners’ vigilance, understanding and cooperation.”
Mr Helper said all the sectors within the industry who were involved in the battle against EI should be commended for their effort and energy put into protecting Victoria.
“The hard work and service of the industry as a whole ultimately paid off with no cases of EI diagnosed in Victoria,” he said.
Mr Helper said many non-racing horse associations had done a tremendous job in keeping EI out of Victoria and he appreciated the ongoing support of organisations that voluntarily cancelled events and reduced the risk of spreading the disease.
“I thank every Victorian horse owner for cooperating with existing border controls and implementing biosecurity measures,” he said.
“We understand the impact that voluntary cancellation of events had on non-profit clubs and associations when the competition season was just getting underway.”
Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Hugh Millar, said Australia was the only country in the world to have eradicated EI in this way and proved scientifically that the virus is absent.
“Victoria has shown that its disease emergency response strategy works and our international reputation is boosted as a result,” Dr Millar said.
During the period that EI posed a threat, the Brumby Government funded a number of initiatives to assist Victorians meet the challenges associated with EI including:
• $1.5 million in the extension of grants for eligible non-profit equine organisations who
• voluntarily cancelled competition events;
• $42,250 for 56 community information sessions to protect Victoria from EI;
• $500,000 to commence development of a new equine registration system; and
• $400,000 towards bringing stranded Victorian recreational horses home from NSW, in line with nationally accepted protocols.