Franz Venhaus, Chief Executive Officer of the Equestrian Federation of Australia, issued the following update on Aug. 30.

This e-news unfortunately does not cover as wide a range of topics as usual. There simply has not been enough time with the current demands of the horse flu emergency.

Most of you will have been visiting the EFA National web and your Branch webs to get up-to-date information on the Equine Influenza outbreak and how to handle it. We have been working particularly with the NSW and Queensland Departments of Primary Industry because these two States are the ones affected most. We have also been taking part in teleconferences with authorities at State and National level not only to stay up-to-date but also to put our case and constantly remind everyone that this emergency is more than just a racing industry issue. To push this argument further, the NSW Branch has engaged the services of a Public Relations consulting firm and has already had meetings with the NSW Minister for Agriculture and success in reaching the media and putting “our case” across.

We are aware that many of our members are stranded with their horses at locations far away from home. We are trying hard to find ways to help them. The NSW Branch is assisting stranded members with a cash payment of $200, a great gesture. Thank you, EFA NSW