Equestrian Community’s Concerns on the Rise As Mysterious Horse Deaths Raise Questions About Traceability System

The equestrian world has seen multiple heart-wrenching Equine deaths in the past few months. And with the tragic loss of 13 horses in Victoria, Australia, the community is highly disappointed. As news of these devastating fatalities spread, equine safety advocates are now pondering over the efficacy of the national horse traceability system. More so, the state government agency publicly voiced apprehension over the deaths, even though some of the incidents happened weeks ago. The sorrowful reality is that these creatures met their end at different properties across the region, succumbing to a rapid onset of illness. This has left little time for hope or intervention.

Animal supporters can find little hope as Australia establishes a comprehensive national horse traceability system. The formation of the (NHTIT) in April seeks to address the challenges of tracing individual horses, given their multiple registrations.

Equestrian deaths call out for some serious action

The perplexing deaths of the 13 horses called out the urgent need for a robust national horse traceability system across Australia. With so many horses in Victoria alone, it’s crucial to track their movements to manage disease outbreaks and respond to natural disasters effectively. However, implementing the system has been challenging, despite a Senate inquiry recommendation in 2019. According to ABC News, the newly formed NHTIT is working on the task, but identifying individual horses has proven complicated due to multiple registrations and identities with different organizations.

Mark Burnell, president of the Australian Horse Industry Council, recognizes the complexities involved in developing this system. With diverse industry participants, including volunteers, the task force must create a user-friendly nationwide solution. He said, “It is going to get there. The hope is that whatever is implemented is easy to work across the system, because you have a broad range of industry participants, a lot of whom who run horse events, run horse organisations, businesses, as well as the well-known larger equestrian groups, [and] a lot of the organising of events is done by volunteers.”

Agriculture Victoria’s efforts & words for Equestrian community

Despite the alarming situation, no equine movement restrictions have been imposed, as sample testing for infectious diseases has returned negative results. However, the agency remains vigilant in ensuring the accurate sharing of information. The state government agency, Agriculture Victoria, is in the process of finalizing arrangements for the task force, to be led by industry representatives and report to the National Biosecurity Committee.

The spokseperson from the government stated,”The Victorian government is committed to the development of a national horse traceability system and understands the importance of horses to the Victorian communities,” further continuing, “Victoria is providing support to progress the establishment of the National Horse Traceability Implementation Task Force.”

Read More: Tragedy Rocks the Equestrian World After the Sudden Death of a Horse in a Frightening Collision

Crucial government support has been instrumental, with a substantial allocation of $1.1 million to the National Horse Traceability Working group in 2021. The funds aim to bolster progress in meeting the traceability system’s targets. The ultimate goal is to prioritize horse welfare and safeguard the equine community from potential threats.

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