Mobile Advice On Hendra Available At Events

The horse community is being encouraged to continue with planned events as authorities continue to respond to the Hendra virus incident at Cawarral, near Rockhampton.

Biosecurity Queensland acting Chief Veterinary Officer Rick Symons said that there were a range of equestrian events happening in the Rockhampton district this weekend and competitors are encouraged to attend as they would normally. "I want to assure event organisers and competitors that there are no additional constraints regarding attending events such as pony club, campdrafts and dressage competitions. "This incident is a timely reminder to event organisers and competitors of their responsibilities when holding and participating in events. This includes continuing to collect information on all horses attending events, maintaining good biosecurity at events and not allowing sick horses to attend events, amongst other measures." said Dr Symons. {sidebar id=3}To enhance community confidence, the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries´ mobile office will attend several horse and livestock events in the next few days. Experienced Biosecurity officers and Queensland Health staff will be on hand to present Hendra virus information relating to animal and human health to horse owners and other members of the community. The mobile office will be at the following locations:
Saturday 22 Aug
Yeppoon Dressage Meet
11am - 2pm
Milroy Drive, Yeppoon Sunday 23 Aug
Paradise Lagoon Pony Club Camp draft
9.30am - 12.30pm
9 Mile Rd, Gracemere There will also be staff and a display at the Clarke Creek Camp draft, Old Pacific Highway, Marlborough on Sunday August 23rd, from 8am - 4pm. More information on holding equestrian activities can be found at the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries website. If you have concerns about possible exposure to Hendra virus, contact Queensland Health hotline on 13 Health (13 43 25 84)