HENDRA Virus expert Dr Peter Reid will use a racing industry day to strongly encourage harness racing owners and trainers to take part in Racing Queensland’s (RQ) Hendra Virus vaccination program.
The Queensland Harness Racing Industry Day on Sunday, September 8, which will feature information sessions, a free sausage sizzle, and a forum on the future of harness racing, is expected to attract many industry stakeholders.
Dr Peter Reid, the equine vet who responded to the original outbreak of Hendra Virus in 1994, will provide information about the deadly virus and the vaccine, alongside RQ veterinarian Dr Martin Lenz, who will host a Hendra Virus question and answer session.
“Hendra Virus is a significant issue for horse owners and the harness racing industry, and the event will be a great opportunity to share the latest facts and scientific information with industry participants,” Dr Reid said.
“We’ll also answer any questions about the virus, the vaccine, and the vaccine subsidy offered by Racing Queensland.”
Dr Reid said the vaccine was vital to ensuring the health of both horses and the people around them.
“The key message we want to share with harness industry participants is that the vaccine not only protects horses, but it also breaks the cycle of transmission from horses to people, so it protects harness racing families.”
Queensland Harness Racing Board Chairman Brad Steele said the industry day would also showcase the latest in equine therapies and breeding services, as well as providing networking opportunities.
“Industry participants and their families will be able to enjoy a great day out and get the latest industry news,” Mr Steele said.
“Anyone who has hesitated to get the vaccine will also be able to have their concerns and questions answered.”
“Stakeholders need to be fully informed about the disease, which has claimed the lives of eight horses across Queensland and New South Wales this year alone.”
Acting Racing Minister Tim Mander urged all horse owners to protect themselves and their horses from Hendra virus.
“Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of Hendra to horses, as well as horse owners, their family and employees,” Mr Mander said.
“The Newman Government continues to work closely with owners, veterinarians and the vaccine manufacturer to fight this deadly virus.”
Animal health company Medivet will also update stakeholders on the latest training aid and regenerative technologies.
“We’re excited to release our patented Multi-Purpose Training System (MPTS360) for horses, which includes a highly efficient nebuliser that can be used for a variety of training and medical treatments,” Medivet chief executive Shaneel Khan said.
“We’ll also update attendees on the latest in all-natural, drug-free regenerative technologies, including our cost-effective and versatile Autologous Conditioned Serum and our state-of-the-art Medivet laboratory services.”
Visit racingqueensland.com.au to find out more about the event.
RACING QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE from BIG SPLASH COMMUNICATIONS