Frequently Asked Questions - Equine Influenza
Background
An outbreak of equine influenza (EI) occurred in Australia in August 2007. EI is an exotic disease to Australia (it had never been present here before).
A national response involving the Australian Government, state and territory governments, and a number of horse organisations occurred, and together these groups have completely eradicated equine influenza from the Australian horse population.
Eradication
On 30 June 2008 Australia was able to declare its freedom from the disease because after six months of surveillance and testing no new cases were identified.
25 December 2008 marked one year since the last confirmed case of equine influenza in Australia. On this day we declared that we have met OIE standards for freedom from equine influenza. Australia is officially free of the disease.
Australia is the only country that has been successful in completely eradicating this disease.
It is still essential for horse and donkey owners to remain vigilant to any disease symptoms. Report any suspect animals to your local vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
And remember, good biosecurity practices do not stop here! Comprehensive information about biosecurity and horses is available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Foresty website.
The Equine Influenza Inquiry
On 25 September 2007, the Hon Mr Ian Callinan AC was appointed Commissioner by the then Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under section 66AY of the Quarantine Act 1908 to conduct an independent inquiry into the outbreak of equine influenza in Australia.
The report was released on 12 June and can be found on the Equine Influenza Inquiry website.
The Government's Response to the Equine Influenza Inquiry
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, has developed an Equine Influenza Inquiry Response Project Plan to implement the Government's response to the 38 Equine Influenza Inquiry recommendations.
The implementation plan, its progress, and advice from industry and experts can be found on the AQIS website.
About Equine Influenza
Information about the disease is available on the DAFF website.