Media Releases and Articles

Media Releases and Articles

Breeders To Help Bush Fire Victims

The Australian breeding industry will support those affected by bush fires with vendors at this week’s Magic Millions sale donating $500 for every horse sold.

As fires rage across much of the country, including in prominent breeding areas such as the NSW Southern Highlands, breeders have decided to make a contribution as they gather on the Gold Coast.

The money will be deducted from the sale price and donated to charities that support the victims of the fires.

“A lot of vendors were talking about what we could do to help those who need it the most and there was overwhelming support when this idea was discussed,” said Tom Reilly, chief executive of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA).

With more than 800 horses catalogued in the sale it is hoped the initiative can raise well in excess of $300,000.

Basil Nolan, President of TBA said: “I think this is a great effort as many of the vendors have had a very tough time in recent years with drought and many have been dealing with fires themselves.

“The industry is a real community and everybody I’ve spoken with wanted to do something. You cannot look at what’s going on and not be affected by it.”

The money will be donated immediately after the sale and be directed at those charities that help victims of the crisis.

The TBA announcement comes as Magic Millions and its sponsor, The Star Gold Coast, both committed $50,000 to the bush fire relief.

ENDS

NOTES: The donations will be deducted for horses sold in Book One of the Magic Millions sale, which concludes on Saturday evening. The donation is voluntary with vendors having the option of opting out.

For more information contact Tom Reilly on 0423 146 334

Vale Ken Barry

Dear Breeder,

It is with great sadness that I write to you about the passing of a true friend to the breeding industry and to all of us involved with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Ken Barry.

Ken (pictured centre) with the staff & boards of TBA and Aushorse.

Many of you will also have been lucky enough to have known Ken and I’m sure you will be mourning his death earlier this week, as everybody at TBA is. For those of you who did not have that honour, I feel it is important to write a few words about a man who, despite battling ill health for many years, was indefatigable in his efforts to improve our industry.

Ken served on the board of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia for more than a dozen years. Throughout that period he made a huge contribution. A greatly respected lawyer who chaired the legal firm Norton Rose, Ken was not somebody to take a directorship lightly; he had a first rate intellect and often brought a new perspective or insight to an issue being discussed at the board table.

But Ken’s contribution to TBA was never restricted to our meetings. He was always putting his mind – and giving his time – to one issue or another. He would be the first director to put up their hand to work on a subcommittee and he was continually in contact with our chief executive and staff, providing assistance wherever he could.

He was also a very kind and warm man, who made friends with all who came into his orbit. He enjoyed a good joke and had a deep laugh that was contagious, often heard when he was attending one sale or another. But he was also somebody with great integrity and resolve, a man who could be counted on in difficult times.

I, along with every member of the boards of TBA and Aushorse, am mourning Ken’s death, both as a friend and colleague. The industry owes him a huge debt of gratitude.

Ken’s funeral will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Hawthorn, Melbourne, at 1.30pm this coming Wednesday (4th December) and I am sure that I will see many of you there.

Our thoughts are with Ken’s wife Lynne and their family.

Kind regards,

Basil

Basil Nolan
TBA President

Update On Welfare Issue

Dear Breeder,

I am writing today to keep you updated with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia’s activities since the airing of the ABC 7.30 report into the mistreatment of thoroughbreds.

On Tuesday I met with Racing Australia chairman, Greg Nichols, and presented him with an eight-point plan that the TBA board had endorsed (see below).

These measures are not exhaustive and there will be many other good suggestions put forward. However they do, in our opinion, constitute a good start to tackling some of the issues we must respond to.

You will see that we believe establishing an independent task force is our first priority. This is consistent with what I wrote immediately after the program aired.

Read the Sydney Morning Herald article here.

There are no easy fixes in this welfare discussion, but having an independent task force will be the foundation of developing good policy. It goes without saying, that breeders must be widely consulted in any discussions.

Tuesday was the third face to face meeting we had had with Racing Australia and I am due to catch up with Greg and their chief executive, Barry O’Farrell, again tomorrow.

I have also held meetings or provided briefings to the following in the past week: the head of the Federal Department of Agriculture, the acting chief executive of the RSPCA, the chief executive of Animal Health Australia, senior advisors to the Federal Agriculture Minister, the Shadow Agriculture minister, most state Agriculture Ministers, and a number of state racing ministers.

Last Tuesday we also held an event in Canberra, with the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers. This is an annual event, but this year it provided us with an opportunity to tackle head on the issue of welfare. The Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack spoke on the night, as did the Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese, and the event was well attended.

Watch the video of the event here.

Evenings like this are valuable as we regularly need support from the Federal Government: for example, it would be impossible to develop a national traceability register for horses without their buy in.

The board of TBA believe the issues that have been raised need a national and collaborative response and we are determined to play our part in good policy outcomes.

I have already received a number of good suggestions from breeders with ideas to assist the industry and all are gratefully received. If you have one, please send it to member@tbaus.com

Thank you for your time and I look forward to your feedback.

Kind regards,

Tom

To hear Tom speaking on Talking Horses click here

To read Tom’s speech at the parliamentary event click here

TBA suggestions on Welfare issue

  1. Establish an industry welfare taskforce: This body needs to be chaired by an independent person of standing within the industry and make recommendations to Racing Australia and the wider industry. It must include welfare experts and senior veterinarians independent of the industry’s regulators.
  2. An independent audit and review of Racing Australia’s retirement data: Their data, which provides information on where a horse goes to upon retiring from racing, has been heavily criticised in the past week. While some reports have misrepresented or confused what these numbers represent, it is crucial that both the thoroughbred industry and wider public have confidence in their accuracy. As such, there must be an independent audit of the numbers and the collection and compliance with retirement forms.
  3. A review of the number of thoroughbreds going to livestock sales, abattoirs and meatworks: It is essential the thoroughbred industry understand the extent of the numbers as we deal with issues of horses leaving the racing or breeding industry. This will enable the thoroughbred industry to appropriately fund rehoming and retraining programs.
  4. TBA and RA to review patterns in the foal crop: The number of horses being bred has decreased by a quarter since the mid 2000s, but we need to better understand how supply meets demand. We also need to review the number of horses being bred that do not enter racing or return to breeding.
  5. Ensure the development of a national horse traceability register: We need to be able to follow our horses after they leave the racing or breeding industry. An industry working group needs to be established urgently to build on the political momentum for the register.
  6. Develop national standards and guidelines for horse welfare: At present horses are not part of the Animal Health Australia framework, unlike cattle or sheep. Developing this framework would encourage best practice, especially for horses that leave the racing and breeding industry.
  7. Start a full circle program for Australian thoroughbreds: This scheme, developed by the US Trotting Association allows people with an interest in a horse to put their name on a register so that if the animal is ever discovered to be in trouble, for example is offered at a livestock sale, the person or people on the register can be contacted. It does not oblige that person to take over responsibility for the horse, but is a way of enabling people to assist a horse they care about in times of trouble. Read more here http://lifeafterracing.ustrotting.com/full-circle.cfm
  8. Establishment of an organisation similar to Drinkwise: In 2005 the alcohol industry decided to collaborate – despite their fierce commercial competition – to form a body that could promote responsible drinking and also assist them with issues around perception. Such a body would be invaluable for the thoroughbred industry, especially if driven by participants. It would also be tasked with disseminating accurate and transparent information, even on challenging issues.

Political Support For Breeders

Dear Breeder,

Last night Thoroughbred Breeders Australia hosted a function in Canberra with the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers.

This event, now in its fourth year, is an important one for breeders as it gives us a chance to explain our industry to legislators.

Given the scrutiny that breeding and racing are under following the ABC’s 7.30 report, last night’s event was more timely than ever before.

There was strong attendance from across the political divide and the speakers included Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals leader and Riverina MP Michael McCormack, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino, and Shadow Agriculture Minister, Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon.

Click here to see video from the evening

I addressed the meeting first and made clear that TBA is committed to addressing any welfare issue.

“We have the courage and we have the determination to ensure that we have an industry that we can all be proud of,” Mr Reilly said.

“We must address the issues the ABC has raised. As an industry we will be judged by our response.”

There was support for the industry’s response to animal welfare issues raised in an ABC report about retired thoroughbreds last week.

Michael McCormack addressed the footage: “No breeder, no jockey, no trainer, no self-respecting person in the racing industry would want to see horses end up that way,” he said.

“It’s just not the way racing does things.”

Mr McCormack also praised the racing and breeding industries for boosting employment and economic outcomes for regional Australia.

“Whether it’s a little dusty country race track out in the middle of nowhere, or whether it’s the Murrumbidgee Turf Club which is a magnificent facility in Wagga Wagga and everything in between,” he said.

“Well done to you breeders, you owners and everyone involved.

“This government will always back you every step of the way, I know I share bipartisanship when I say that.”

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese labelled what was shown on 7.30 as an outrage, saying it shocked him.

“I’m confident that your industry will work your butt off,” he said.

“You’ll open yourselves up to scrutiny because you don’t want any taint whatsoever.”

He said the combined racing and breeding industries provided almost $10 billion to Australia’s economy and about 90,000 jobs.

“I say on behalf of the Labor Party, it’s good you’ve got on the front foot,” the party’s leader said.

“It’s important governments take action where appropriate as well.”

Mr Albanese said the national economy and people’s quality of life couldn’t afford for the industry to be damaged.

“We can’t afford, for what is overwhelmingly such a positive experience, to be damaged as well.

“We will do anything we can do to provide assistance.”

As well as last night’s event, I had a number of meetings in Canberra with politicians and senior bureaucrats to discuss possible actions in response to the ABC’s report.

TBA has also had meetings with Racing Australia and I hope to report on some initiatives shortly.

A copy of the speech I gave at the event is available here.

Please don’t hesitate to get in contact if you would like to discuss any of the above in more detail.

Kind regards,

Tom

Tom Reilly
Chief Executive
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia

Speech by TBA chief executive Tom Reilly

Ladies and gentlemen, firstly let me thank you for your attendance tonight for what is an important evening for breeders.

Ours is a pursuit that is stitched deeply into the fabric of Australia. 

Thoroughbreds came to these shores on the First Fleet and racing was first held well over 200 years ago.

In modern Australia, the thoroughbred business, across all its broad reach, supports 72,000 full time jobs, and generates more than $9 billion for the national economy.

But as many of you will be aware, the racing and breeding industries have been under intense scrutiny since the airing of an ABC investigation into the mistreatment of thoroughbreds last week.

The footage of that mistreatment was nothing short of appalling.

I, like every breeder, every owner, and every trainer who has seen that footage, was horrified.

What we saw was not the thoroughbred industry I know, where care and respect for the horse is paramount.

From the foaling staff that stay up through the night to help a mare deliver her young, to the yearling team who educate young horses, the strapper that wakes at 3am every morning to care for the racehorse, through to the retrainers who ensure our horses get a second opportunity to have a meaningful life after the track, there is a commitment to the welfare of the animal.

But we must address the issues raised by the ABC.

As an industry we will be judged by our response.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia has called for the establishment of a welfare taskforce, a task force that must include independent experts.

We must look at this issue nationally and collaboratively.

We will need the input of the federal and state governments as well as all interested stakeholders.

As an industry we need to ensure the highest care for our horses and commit that every horse that leaves racing that can have a productive career has that opportunity.

As the chief executive of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia I can tell you that we are committed to this cause and we have the courage and determination to ensure we have an industry that we can all be proud of.

Thank you.

Political Support For Breeders

    Federal politicians from across the political divide have rallied behind thoroughbred breeding, as the industry committed to tackling any issue around welfare.

    Ministers, shadow ministers, MPs and senators met with industry leaders at Parliament House in Canberra for an annual event organised by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers.

    There was praise for the industry’s response to animal welfare issues raised in an ABC report about retired thoroughbreds last week. 

    Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals Leader and Riverina MP Michael McCormack addressed the footage.

    “No breeder, no jockey, no trainer, no self-respecting person in the racing industry would want to see horses end up that way,” he said.

    “It’s just not the way racing does things.”

    Mr McCormack praised the racing and breeding industries for boosting employment and economic outcomes for regional Australia.

    “Whether it’s a little dusty country race track out in the middle of nowhere, or whether it’s the Murrumbidgee Turf Club which is a magnificent facility in Wagga Wagga and everything in between,” he said.

    “Well done to you breeders, you owners and everyone involved.

    “This government will always back you every step of the way, I know I share bipartisanship when I say that.”

    Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese labeled what was shown on 7.30 as an outrage, saying it shocked him.

    “I’m confident that your industry will work your butt off,” he said.

    “You’ll open yourselves up to scrutiny because you don’t want any taint whatsoever.”

    He said the combined racing and breeding industries provided almost $10 billion to Australia’s economy and about 90,000 jobs.

    “I say on behalf of the Labor Party, it’s good you’ve got on the front foot,” the party’s leader said. 

    “It’s important governments take action where appropriate as well.” 

    Mr Albanese said the national economy and people’s quality of life couldn’t afford for the industry to be damaged.

    “We can’t afford, for what is overwhelmingly such a positive experience, to be damaged as well.

    “We will do anything we can do to provide assistance.”

    TBA chief executive Tom Reilly, who spoke first, said the racing and breeding industries had been under intense scrutiny in the past week.

    “I, like every breeder, every owner and every trainer I’ve spoken to, was horrified by what we saw,” he said.

    “What we saw was not the industry I know.”

    He said the industry needed to ensure the highest care of horses and commit to ensuring every animal leaving racing had the chance of a productive career.

    “We have the courage and we have the determination to ensure that we have an industry that we can all be proud of,” Mr Reilly said.

    “We must address the issues the ABC has raised. As an industry we will be judged by our response.”

    TBA has called for the establishment of a national welfare task force including all stakeholders and independent experts.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne, who breeds and races horses, also attended the event along with high-ranking diplomats from premier racing nations.

    New Zealand High Commissioner Dame Annette King, Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye, Singapore High Commissioner Kwok Fook Seng and Irish Ambassador Breandán Ó Caollaí were among the guests.

    Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino and co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers said she wanted the industry to know it was appreciated by the government.

    “We know you’re so important to this nation,” she said. “As breeders you do a great job producing the best racehorses in the world and we should be proud of the quality of our industry.”

    Shadow Agriculture Minister, Hunter MP and co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers Joel Fitzgibbon described it as an important parliamentary event.

    “Every year the breeders come to this event and explain what you do to all of us in Canberra, and that’s an important job,” he said.

    Minister for Drought, Water Resources and Emergency Management David Littleproud attended with Nationals colleagues Barnaby Joyce, Damian Drum – a part-owner of Cox Plate hopeful Kings Will Dream – Pat Conaghan, David Gillespie and Michelle Landry.

    Labor senators Anthony Chisholm and Raff Ciccone were there to support the thoroughbred industry.

    Among those attending from the Liberal Party were Assistant Minister for Vocational Training, Steve Irons, Nicole Flint, Tony Pasin and John Alexander, and senator Hollie Hughes.

    ENDS

    Video of the evening to follow shortly. 
    A copy of Tom Reilly’s speech is also available. 

    For more information contact Tom Reilly on 0423 146 334

    TBA Calls For A National Task Force

    The board of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) today had a teleconference to discuss the issues raised in last night’s 7.30 program.

    As a result of that meeting we are calling for a national welfare taskforce to be established that would include all industry stakeholders.

    We believe it is important that we come together as an industry to look at the issue of welfare and have a full and frank discussion and assess where we can make improvements.

    Below is a piece that I wrote to appear in the Sydney Morning Herald tomorrow that expands on some of the challenges we face.

    Already many of you have contacted me with ideas on measures we need to implement to deal with issues raised in the ABC report. All of these are gratefully received.

    We will continue to keep you updated on these matters.

    Kind regards,

    Tom

    Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 19th October 2019

    Rightly there was outrage at the treatment of the horses shown in Thursday night’s ABC 7.30 program. Like everybody who watched the investigation, I was appalled by what I saw. As an industry, we can and must do better.

    First, I’d like to address footage of the treatment of the horses at the abattoirs and slaughterhouses in the moments before they died.

    This isn’t to shift the blame and point the finger at those who are outside the thoroughbred industry, but no animal, whether it is a thoroughbred horse, a cow or a sheep should be mistreated in the way the horses were in Caro Meldrum-Hanna’s investigation. Any animal that is being processed at an abattoir should be treated humanely and with dignity.

    There is state-based regulation and licensing of these facilities and it is incumbent on all state and territory governments that these standards are being met. If laws have been broken, then those responsible should face prosecution.

    Of course, we as a thoroughbred industry must also look at our practices and consider what changes we need to make on the back of this investigation. Most importantly, we urgently need to establish a national industry taskforce to deal with the welfare of our animals.

    This must include all stakeholders: from breeders through to racehorse owners, trainers, administrators and the many people who do important work retraining racehorses when their career on the track is over. This taskforce should also include independent welfare experts and be transparent in its findings.

    On Friday the TBA contacted almost all the breeders whose animals featured in the 7.30 report. All were shocked that animals they had raised and cared for should be mistreated, and none of those farms had sent those horses directly to an abattoir or livestock sale. The route, where it was known by the breeder, of those horses arriving at an abattoir often involved being sold for racing and then its ownership being transferred a number of times.

    This highlights perhaps the biggest challenge we face in breeding and racing. What happens to a horse when it is transferred out of our industry? What happens when it leaves the jurisdiction of racing’s regulators?

    At present, there is no formal traceability of a horse after it is retired and sold out of racing.

    There is currently a Senate inquiry into establishing a national traceability scheme for all horses. My organisation, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, along with Racing Australia, has supported the creation of a model that will register who owns every horse and record where that animal is being kept.

    That registry would be important in ensuring that every owner of every horse provides a minimum standard of care. I urge the Senate committee to make its recommendations as quickly as possible.

    I have no doubt that the overwhelming majority of people in the industry, such as breeders, trainers and owners, care deeply for their horses.

    In breeding and racing there is already a strong regulatory framework that should ensure administrators know where a horse is at all times. The 7.30 program suggested there may be shortcomings in that data collection and, if true, that needs to be addressed.

    There is a lot of good work being done to find homes for retired racehorses or horses that are not suitable to go into training. In NSW and Victoria, 1 per cent of prizemoney is set aside for welfare, with much of this going towards rehoming.

    But as part of an industry review we need to ask ourselves whether there is enough being done to create pathways for horses to enjoy a rewarding or meaningful second career.

    We also need to acknowledge that some of the people who have taken racehorses in the past may be struggling to care for them while much of rural and regional Australia deals with the most crippling drought in history. This makes the ongoing care of a thoroughbred a financial burden beyond many people.

    As the head of the national peak body for breeders, I know we must also look to our own practices. The numbers of foals being produced has dropped from 18,500 in the 2000s to about 14,000 now. Whether that is the right number or not is something we need to consider as part of an industry-led review.

    We take the care of our horses seriously. We established welfare guidelines in 2016 that our 4500 members accepted. We created a thoroughbred levy, paid by all breeders, so we can spend $1 million a year on projects to benefit equine welfare.

    In 2018 we organised two summits with other stakeholders to discuss welfare and hear from other industries on their approaches. While everybody at those meetings agreed there were challenges, finding consensus for a national and collaborative approach proved too difficult.

    As an industry we need to ensure that we are united in meeting our challenges.

    Tom Reilly is the chief executive officer of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.

    TBA Press Release

    Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) condemns in the strongest terms the treatment of horses shown in tonight’s ABC 7.30 program.

    “I am appalled by the vision broadcast tonight,” said Tom Reilly, chief executive of TBA.

    “All horses, whether thoroughbreds or not, deserve to be treated humanely and with dignity,” added Mr Reilly.

    “The full force of the law should be brought down on anybody in the footage shown mistreating those horses.

    “The thoroughbred industry needs a full and frank discussion about what happens to horses when they leave the industry. And while there is good work being done to rehome horses, we have to look at how participants and regulators can and must do better.

    “We also need to have confidence in the numbers the industry publishes about what happens to animals when they leave racing.”

    ENDS

    2019 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards (GSSSA) Recognise Excellence

    The 2019 GSSSA winners (Godolphin/Lisa Grimm)

    When David Merrick started working for Widden Stud in 1992, breeding legends such as Bletchingly and Marscay were ruling the roost, Paul Keating was Prime Minister, the Brisbane Broncos won their first premiership, Mabo was decided and we were watching shows like Acropolis Now.

    Mobile reception? “Crikey, we were lucky to get TV reception,” Merrick says with a laugh.

    Elevated to Stud Manager the following year, Merrick has been a mainstay for Australia’s most historic farm and, somewhat fittingly, was recognised for his service by being honoured with the ‘Thoroughbred Excellence’ gong at last Friday’s Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

    Merrick also collected the ‘Dedication to Breeding’ Award at the Randwick ceremony which was attended by leading trainers Tony McEvoy and James Cummings, MP Michael Johnsen, Widden principal Antony Thompson and Vinery Stud general manager Peter Orton.

    Last year Merrick was named the winner of the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders’ coveted Murray Bain Award which acknowledges the outstanding achievements of those who champion exceptional service and hands on practice.

    Merrick’s nominator, Widden manager Derek Field, praised him for his leadership, dedication and “a total involvement in every aspect of the business at any time of the night or day, year-after-year.”

    “David’s passion and time and his selfless attitude of forever giving is something he should be proud of,” Field enthused. “His one-on-one relationships with our clients are testimony to the regard in which he is held and the utmost trust and respect of all who work with him. David has devoted his life to the breeding industry.”

    Merrick was one of seven award winners who were chosen from a record 150 nominations from every Australian state and territory representing every area of the industry.

    Each of the winners received a trophy and a cash prize of $10,000 with $3000 to share among fellow workers. Each runner-up each received $1000, aside from The Newcomer Award, who received $5000 plus $3000 to fellow workers, plus an all-expenses paid trip to Dubai. The runner-up received $1000.

    The Thoroughbred Excellence Award winner received a trophy and $5000 in addition to their prize for winning their category, plus an additional $2000 to fellow workers.

    Dedication to Breeding: David Merrick (Widden Stud)

    Runner-up: Stephanie Mitchell (Mungrup Stud)

    Dedication to Racing: Steve Adams (Anthony Freedman Racing)

    Runner-Up: Michael Shepherdson (McEvoy Mitchell Racing)

    Leadership: David White (Vinery Stud)

    Runner-up: Simon Johnson (Godolphin)

    Horsemanship: Warren Sutton (McEvoy Mitchell Racing)

    Runner-up: Nigel Bentley (Arrowfield Stud)

    Administration: Cecelia O’Gorman (Thoroughbred Breeders Australia)

    Runner-up: Susan Willis (Yulong Investments)

    Care and Welfare: Lindy Thewlis (self-employed)

    Runner-up: Fiona McIntrye (self-employed).

    Newcomer: Talia Cranfield (Godolphin)

    Runner-Up: Alyssa Pickels (Kitchwin Hills Stud)

    View the 2019 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards Night

    The GSSSA, sponsored by Godolphin and partners throughout the industry and convened by Racing Australia and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, aims to recognise and reward those who work in all areas of the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.

    “The Awards are a brilliant concept by Godolphin and truly acknowledge so many of the unsung heroes in the thoroughbred industry,” Aushorse CEO, Tom Reilly, points out. “We revel in the deeds of superstars like Winx, but it’s all the workers behind the scenes that keep the trains running on time.

    “I’m very proud of our own Cecelia O’Gorman, who has done a power of work in training up industry staff and was recognised in the ‘Administration’ category, while the Godolphin Awards are also supported by the Australian Turf Club, Melbourne Racing Club and Tabcorp.

    “As we’ve seen with the record nominations this year, the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards are deservedly gaining greater traction and will undoubtedly encourage many other employees in one of Australia’s largest industries.”

    Hendra Virus

    Dear Breeder,

    Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) is writing to notify you of a case of Hendra Virus that has occurred in a horse in the Upper Hunter Valley.

    It is important to note that this case occurred on an isolated non-Thoroughbred farm, some 50 km from Scone.

    It is, however, the first confirmed case of Hendra in the Upper Hunter region and is therefore a reminder that farms and veterinarians in the region should be vigilant for potential cases of the disease.

    The recent incident involved a 25 year-old mare that was unvaccinated. She was euthanized by her owners after showing neurological signs of distress and then becoming unresponsive. Samples from the mare were collected last Sunday and the Hendra Virus infection confirmed on Wednesday.

    HTBA President Dr Cameron Collins, who is also managing director of Scone Equine Hospital, urged all people working with horses to be vigilant and aware of the disease.

    “The message to people who work with horses is to keep them away from flying foxes (fruit bats). It is also very important to remember to observe hygiene and biosecurity protocols. As a rule, people should avoid direct contact with any discharge or secretion from any horse, whether it is sick or not.”

    Hendra is most likely to appear during the winter months, and has the likelihood of fatal consequences in horses. There have also been four known occasions in Australia where humans have died as a result of contracting the disease, though each of these cases has occurred when the possibility of Hendra virus was not considered.

    Hendra is endemic in flying foxes and they can transmit the disease so it is important to ensure horses do not have feed or water underneath trees where flying foxes are feeding or roosting.

    TBA chief executive Tom Reilly said farms should review their protocols for dealing with sick horses and contact a veterinarian immediately if they had any concerns.

    He said: “This is an isolated case, remote from Thoroughbred breeding centres of the Hunter however it is a reminder to people to be aware and alert when it comes to dealing with sick horses.

    “TBA encourages farms to review their protocols for dealing with horses showing signs of sickness and to contact their veterinarian immediately if they have any concerns.”

    Hendra can be difficult to identify with signs often being mild. These can include an increased temperature, lethargy, respiratory discharge or distress, neurological signs, mild colic signs or sudden death.

    A highly protective and safe Hendra vaccine is available and involves two initial vaccinations 21-42 days apart followed by a booster at six months, and then annual boosters after that. The vaccine is safe and effective and no vaccinated horse has contracted the disease.

    Hendra Vaccination

    Vaccination of horses against Hendra virus is the single most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in both horses and humans, vaccinations must be carried out by a Veterinarian and registered. Human infection and deaths have occurred following high-level exposure to body fluids from infected horses. Vaccinating horses is an important measure to prevent this occurring and provides a public health and workplace health and safety benefit.

    Reminder to Horse Farms

    1. This is the season when Hendra virus is more common in NSW i.e. the cooler months of the year.
    2. Horse farms should talk to their vet about vaccinating their horses for Hendra virus to protect both the horses and their human handlers.
    3. The symptoms of Hendra virus infection are not specific. Horses may be listless, feverish, show signs of colic, neurological signs (wobbly, head tilt, unusual gait etc), respiratory symptoms, abnormal behaviour or die suddenly.
    4. Farms with sick horses should contact their local veterinarian who will notify a Local Lands Service inspector or an inspector with DPI if they consider the case highly suspect for Hendra virus.
    5. Owners should be aware of the risks associated with handling sick horses. The signs of Hendra virus are quite variable so all sick horses should be handled cautiously and carefully and with as little contact as possible.
    6. Children, domestic pets and other companion horses should not contact sick horses.

    Management of suspect Hendra cases
    • Always use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling sick horses
    • DO NOT allow sick horses to be handled by children or other people.
    • Isolate sick horses from pets or other horses.
    • DO NOT allow dogs or other animals to contact sick or dead horses. Keep them away from the sick horse and its body fluids.
    • DO NOT move sick horses to another area as this may spread the infection.

    Further information:

    The DPI website ‘Hendra virus” contains further information.
    DPI website – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/310492/Hendra-Virus-Primefact-970-1.pdf

    Other contact details include:

    NSW Health has a factsheet that has important information regarding human health risks for Hendra virus – Hendra factsheet or phone NSW Health on 1300 066 055.

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