It has just come to my attention that there has been a meeting held by Government this morning and I believe that certain issues have been resolved. I am told that the meeting was held in a professional manner and that there was Private sector Qualified Vets in the meeting and a general consensus was reached by all parties.

• The current out break of Strangles will not immediately affect the Pending and Forthcoming Horse events.
• At any event where horses move in or out, all movement of any vehicle including those not carrying horses to be sprayed by suitable disinfectant i.e., Jays Fluid .
• Close monitoring by arranged Vet and/or Government Vet to have horses under close monitoring and immediately quarantine any animal showing signs of suspected infection.
• No Horses would be put down at this stage resulting from infection of strangles

I would ask all members of ZPCA to also take add ional precautions both at home and club level that some of the above suggestions become a way of “good practice” for the next few weeks until further information be made available.

A letter was sent out to all clubs regarding the Strangles disease and how to deal with it and I would advise all horse owners to know exactly what they are looking for.

I would also suggest that all the budding vets out there that have concerns express there concerns to a Qualified Vet and not another individual who may not be suitably qualified to address such concerns.

There has been some movement of horses where contamination may have taken place but at this stage it is felt there is no major cause for concern except to say we must all be diligent.

On a final note I ask all members to be responsible and open when it comes to this disease or any other, and notify your vet if any thing unusual is noticed.

I hope that you all have an enjoyable remainder of the season and can assure you we will keep you up to date on any further developments. My contact details can be found below.

Dave Clements (ZPCA Chairman)