Hendra Vaccination By-Law feedback now being sought

As part of the scheduled review into its Hendra Vaccination By-Law and Equestrian Competition Biosecurity Checklist, Equestrian Australia (EA) is now accepting feedback from members and affiliated clubs.

In addition and concurrently to this, a technical advisory panel, consisting of science and veterinary experts as well as experienced event organisers and administrators, are reviewing the By-Law and checklist providing expert and independent advice. This panel will also be asked to additionally and specifically consider the concerns that have been raised around vaccine safety/adverse events, duration of immunity, vaccine registration, and HEV risk assessment for events.

The EA Hendra Technical Advisory Panel consists of the following individuals:

• Vicki Burgess – Secretary, Eventing NSW; Event Organiser.  
• Professor James Gilkerson – Professor of Veterinary Microbiology and Director of the Centre for Equine Infectious Disease at the University of Melbourne.
• Sue McDermott – Chairman, Equestrian Tasmania; NCAS Coach. 
• Dr Deborah Middleton – Research Team Leader and Senior Veterinary Pathologist at the CSIRO. Dr Middleton leads projects within the Animal Biosecurity research area at the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL).
• Dr Cameron Osborne – Sports and Exercise Medicine Physician; President, Queensland International Three Day Event. 

EA Chairman Dr Warwick Vale said the national board had committed to a wide consultation process which would ensure all points of view are considered as part of this review.

“Our technical advisory panel boasts leaders in their field as well as respected event organisers and administrators. We are pleased to have such a high calibre of individuals providing advice on this important subject and we thank them for their assistance.

“We are aware that some members and clubs have reservations about the policy and By-Law as it stands and we encourage those people to contribute to the review process by completing the online form.

“The Board is committed to finding a resolution that is both practical and effective in its approach to mitigating the risk of Hendra virus at EA events.”

Members and affiliated clubs who wish to submit their feedback must use the online form which is accessed from the equestrian.org.au homepage or available by clicking on the below button.

Feedback should be lodged before Friday 19 December 2014.