This means that events like equestrian competitions, training days, etc. can resume at least on a limited scale and in defined areas, subject to meeting certain conditions.

We have put together draft regulations and guidelines for such events in an attempt to get some level of consistency.  The draft has been distributed to the various State Chief Veterinary Officers, other members of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD), and to all EFA Branches for comment.

The draft can be downloaded as a PDF file. 

Equestrian sports are represented on the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease (CCEAD) through the Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC).  The CCEAD advises the National Management Group (NMG), which is set up to manage the Equine Influenza outbreak. 

The NMG is comprised of the Chief Executive Officers of the Commonwealth and State/Territory departments of agriculture/primary industries across Australia and also the heads of the peak bodies representing the horse industry (the Australian Horse Industry Council [AHIC], the Australian Racing Board and the Australian Harness Racing Council).  It is chaired by the Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Conall O’Connell.  The EFA has “observer” status on the NMG and has some opportunities for direct input.