Equestrian Australia Hendra Update

Equestrian Australia (EA) has lodged a notice with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in a bid to remove uncertainty surrounding the legality of organising committees requiring Hendra vaccination as a condition of entry to events. 

The notice is in response to a request from affiliated clubs who wish to seek a definitive ruling from the ACCC after it had been suggested that imposing Hendra vaccination requirements as an event entry condition might be considered third line forcing (section 47 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010). 

“While Equestrian Australia does not currently have a national Hendra policy, EA does encourage event organising committees to complete a biosecurity risk self-assessment,” said Equestrian Australia Chairman Judy Fasher.

“Having undertaken such an assessment, some events have imposed Hendra vaccination requirements as a condition of entry.

“EA’s lodgement of a notice to the ACCC will not make it compulsory for organising committees to enforce mandatory vaccination requirements, rather it will assure event organisers who seek to implement biosecurity practices appropriate to their event that they are operating within the law.”

“We have been prompted to lodge this notice after clubs personally contacted EA seeking clarification on the matter.” 

Ms Fasher also provided an update on the Hendra Review panel.

“The panel is looking at all available data as well as the concerns raised by members and clubs through the public submission period. It is anticipated that the panel will be in a position to present its findings to a meeting of the national board in the near future.

“EA will be reviewing its policies after receipt of the report from the panel and no action will be taken until further consultations and engagement with our shareholders and broader stakeholders occur.

“While EA’s Hendra By-Law remains revoked, individual horse owners are strongly urged to discuss vaccination with their vets to determine the best course of action for their situation. Owners are also encouraged to take notice of the recommendations from their appropriate state authority.”