20 December 2007
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) has
approved an application by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Biosecurity New Zealand (MAF BNZ) to use a vaccine to protect New
Zealand horses against the equine influenza virus.
The equine influenza virus caused major disruption in the horse racing
and breeding industry in Australia earlier this year after infected
animals were discovered in New South Wales. Thousands of horses
eventually tested positive for the virus. Australia has since imported a
vaccine to help control the disease.
The use of the Flu Avert® I.N vaccine in the event of equine influenza
being identified in horses in New Zealand has been approved with a
number of conditions placed on its use.
ERMA New Zealand’s General Manager, New Organisms, Dr Libby Harrison,
says in approving the vaccine the Authority’s decision-making committee
considered potential adverse effects on public safety and health, valued
species, societies and communities, the economy, the environment and
natural habitats. “The Committee decided that the risks posed by the
vaccine are negligible. However, in recognition of the risks, the
committee has imposed conditions on storage, handling and use of the
vaccine.”
The conditions placed on the vaccine include:
• Only approved veterinarians will be able to receive and administer the
vaccine;
• Vaccinated horses must be kept separate from unvaccinated horses for a
period of 14 days after vaccination; and
• MAF BNZ will keep a register of vaccine importations, approved vets,
and horses that have been vaccinated.
Dr Harrison says the approval of this vaccine gives MAF an additional
tool for use in case of an outbreak of equine influenza in New Zealand.
The Flu Avert® I.N vaccine contains a weakened live equine influenza
virus which is administered to horses via the nose. It stimulates an
immune response that is similar to the response that occurs when the
horse catches a virulent wild strain of the virus. The vaccine still has
to be approved by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s Agricultural
Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group before it can be used.
Explanation for the approval
here
For further information contact:
Mark Walles, Senior Communications Advisor, ERMA New Zealand.
• Telephone +64 -4 -918 4813 • Mobile 021 976 853
• Facsimile +64- 4 -914 0433 • Email:
mark.walles@ermanz.govt.nz