Horse ful claims Geelong show as outbreak victim

Geelong’s show has fallen victim to a horse virus racing around Australia.
Organisers have cancelled horse events at this year’s Royal Geelong Show to help stop the spread of equine influenza virus.
Royal Geelong Agricultural and Pastoral Society chief executive officer Sharon Taylor announced the ban after recommendations from Department of Primary Industries, Victoria’s authority on equine influenza.
“While this is disappointing the decision has been made with the best interest of our horse competitors, patrons and ultimately the protection of the Victorian equine industry in mind,” Ms Taylor said.
“The (society) considered all alternatives to keep horses at this year’s Royal Geelong Show but when taking into consideration the requirements we believe it would not have been possible to have met all the biosecurity recommendations.”
Ms Taylor said 750 horses would have gathered at Geelong Showgrounds for the 2007 show next month.
The show intended to reschedule its horse program, perhaps later in the year, she said.
Other animal features of the show such as livestock competitions and displays would go ahead.
Victoria deputy chief veterinary officer Dr Andrew Cameron congratulated the society on its “responsible action”
“I know this is quite a sacrifice,” he said.