AVA submission on the Risk review of Japanese encephalitis in imported horses

After a thorough review of the report, Equine Veterinarians Australia is in agreement with the suggested course of action, as detailed below:

The primary recommendation put forth in the draft conclusion is to update the current biosecurity conditions for horses from approved countries being exported to Australia. Specifically, we recommend the removal of all risk management measures that are specific to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Our understanding is that horses, as dead-end hosts for JEV, pose an insignificant risk for onward transmission. Furthermore, JEV is already present within Australia. In light of these considerations, we are of the opinion that implementation of measures targeting JEV is no longer necessary to maintain Australia's appropriate
level of protection (ALOP).

In summary, we express our endorsement of the recommendations set forth in the draft report. These measures will serve to enhance the biosecurity conditions for horses entering Australia from approved countries while ensuring the smooth flow of imports.

Read the full submission here