TBQA WARNS INDUSTRY AGAINST DISEASE COMPLACENCY
THOROUGHBRED Breeders Queensland Association has organized an important seminar to discuss all aspects of the deadly Hendry virus, which will be held at the University of Queensland Campus at Gatton on Sunday, October 25.
TBQA president, Bob Frappell, today warned the industry not to be complacent, unwise or misinformed and to make the time to attend the seminar when the agenda will cover everything that is known about the disease.
Some of the key questions to be addressed at the seminar include:What is Hendra virus?
Can horses spread it to each other?
Do all infections lead to critical illness in humans?
Guest speakers at the seminar will include: Ron Granville, Chief Veterinary Officer with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries; Bio-chemist Nigel Perkins; DPI Bio security expert, Hume Field and a representative from Queensland Health.
The TBQA has written to Federal Primary Industries Minister, Tony Burke, protesting the withdrawal of funding for Hendra Virus research and emphasizing that the timing of this decision could not have been worse given the recent outbreaks in Queensland.
In his letter to the Minister on behalf of the TBQA, Mr Frappell wrote: “The livelihood of a number of families has been seriously affected by this disease and with that in mind, the TBQA believes at this point in time funding for research into the virus should be maintained.
“The thoroughbred industry plays a vital role in our economy and we are still trying to come to terms with the devastation from Equine Influenza. We do not need more problems due to Hendra Virus.
“On behalf of our 1200 plus members, I would like the opportunity to discuss this matter with you, as it is so vital to our State industry.”
Copies of the letter were also forwarded to Shadow Minister for Agriculture, John Cobb and Queensland Primary Industries Minister, Tim Mulherin.
Those interested in attending the Hendra Virus seminar can secure tickets by contacting the TBQA office on 0412 026 540 or e-mailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..