EI and other diseases of horses are notifiable diseases.
Although Australia is EI free, there are other contagious diseases of concern to the horse industry eg. Strangles, which are notifiable diseases. Owners concerned about the health of their horses should contact their local vet in the first instance. If a notifiable disease is suspected they should also contact their local DPI via local offices, or phone the 24 hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Minimising contact between horses that are sick and healthy and following good biosecurity practices when attending to the horses, particularly with respect to hygiene, will greatly assist any control measures that need to be taken to limit the spread of the disease that is present.
Note - DPI may pay for some laboratory testing where there is a high suspicion of an emergency or exotic disease.
