The Australian Horse Industry Council has congratulated the quarantine authorities for their action and decisions in the case of a horse that became sick during quarantine in Sydney.

Horse Council president, Dr Paul O’Callaghan said “The horse was only released after a risk assessment based on sound science and good consultation. The Post Arrival Quarantine has once again proved its value. The taking of blood from all horses on arrival, a practice introduced for the 2000 Olympics, was invaluable in determining the cause of the horse’s illness.”

A stallion that arrived in Sydney on Aug. 12 from Canada via Chicago became ill five days after arrival. The stallion showed a fever and severe nervous signs including muscle tremors and in coordination.

Diseases under consideration included West Nile virus (WNV) (or other viruses that are spread by insects which might cause encephalitis) and rabies. The horse was isolated and treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and insecticides. The horse had current vaccination for Eastern equine encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, rabies, and equine herpesvirus-type 1