Horse Event Information and Registration

Organisers of horse gathering should consider implementing good horse health practices to reduce the risks. Best practice includes procedures for the registration and traceability of horses in attendance. An event can be defined as a gathering of ten or more horses, or any number of horses from three or more properties, where the horses are moved to an event location and back to their premises of origin. This includes horse sales, pony club and riding club rallies, private clinics, group lessons and competition events. If you suspect at any time a horse in attendance shows clinical signs of EI immediately contact the 24 hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. DPI will attend, or direct a private veterinarian to attend for investigation, as soon as possible. Further Information Contingency Planning Biosecurity Guidelines How to register your Victorian event with DPI Victoria		DPI Customer Service Centre: 136 186 24 hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888
Contingency Planning Developing a contingency plan will help you understand what’s required should a suspect case arise at the event, or if EI is detected in Victoria, resulting in another standstill. Keeping in mind that no horses, and possibly vehicles, would be allowed to leave the venue during this time, questions you should ask when developing your contingency plan include: 1. Are there enough yards to hold the horses for minimum of 48 hours? 2. Can enough horse food be brought in for the horses? 3. Can competitors be accommodated at short notice (amenities, food and water, beds)? 4. Will there be a vet on call or will a local vet be notified of the event? 5. What biosecurity measures would be put in place? You can download a sample contingency plan (PDF 180kb) to help with your planning. Biosecurity Guidelines DPI has revised the Biosecurity Guidelines and Best Health Practice for Holding Equestrian Activities. The guidelines give all stakeholders practical information on how to manage their equestrian activities during this low-risk period, with a focus on tracing the origins and destinations of horses, and registering your activity on the DPI event register. Biosecurity Guidelines and Best Health Practice for Holding Equestrian Activities (PDF 88kb) How to Register your event with DPI Victoria Once you’ve developed your contingency plan you should register your event with DPI, so the department can contact you if a standstill is implemented during your event.