EI Confirmed in Samford Valley

[Susan]

Just had a phone call from our local vet to alert SEG members of a confirmed EI case in Samford Valley. Iters in Samford may want to be extra vigilant and pass the word

From the Samford Valley vets...

A property at Mt Nebo has, today, tested positive for Equine Influenza. Testing of suspect horses with any respiratory symptoms has been and will continue as required within Samford Valley. This is the first confirmed case of the equine flu in Samford Valley. The affected horses have received treatment and are recovering well.

These horses are long term residents on an isolated property. The source of the virus has yet to be determined. To date, there has been no identified direct transfer of the virus, the horses being isolated and the owners not in contact with infected horses or properties. Infection via windborne spread has an almost zero probability of occurrence and therefore, the virus can only have been transferred via indirect methods.

The presence of an infected property at Mt Nebo necessitates the DPI placing a 10km zone around this infected property. This zone will include Mt Nebo, Mt Glorious, Lake Manchester area and will extend into Highvale and Wight’s Mtn. Every effort should be made to prevent further spread of the virus and this can be achieved.

It is now more important than ever that all horse owners continue to practice the highest level of biosecurity to prevent the spread of the virus to their property.