Equine Influenza Decision Unjustified

Australia’s peak veterinary body has urged the federal government to reverse its decision allowing voluntary vaccination against the equine influenza (EI) virus.

“We completely oppose this decision to allow vaccination when there’s no outbreak,” said President of the Australian Veterinary Association, Dr Mark Lawrie. “There can be no justification for this decision on scientific, economic or practical grounds. “All inquiries into vaccination against EI have indicated that it is an expensive option, which would have a negative impact on the way that the Australian horse industry operates. “The government’s approach won’t prevent an outbreak and it won’t save jobs. If there is an outbreak, vaccination will only delay detection. “Vaccinated horses will still need to be subject to movement standstill because they can still spread the disease {sidebar id=3}“In order to ensure long term security for the industry there needs to be a proper emergency disease funding arrangement for the horse industry. This is important because the threat to the industry is bigger than EI – a funding agreement will deal with any horse diseases that might affect the industry,” said Dr Lawrie. More information at the Australian Veterinary Association.