THOROUGHBRED Breeders Queensland president, Basil Nolan has warned any attempt by veterinarians to make Hendra Virus (HeV) vaccination mandatory in the racing industry will impose crippling costs on Queensland Thoroughbred studs – large and small.
Slamming a symposium convened by Racing Queensland on Tuesday, December 1 to discuss HeV vaccination, Mr Nolan said of the 50 or so people invited to the meeting, most were veterinarians – obviously in favour of compulsory vaccination – whereas there were a limited number of opponents.
“Therefore, from the outset, the vast majority of those in attendance were going to be in favour of compulsory vaccinations for racehorses, while those opposed had so few representatives they couldn’t be given a fair hearing. This meeting was stacked to give a favourable outlook on mandatory HeV vaccine. I really have to question the motives of even holding a symposium when there is clearly an unbalanced list of invitees, and therefore an unbalanced view presented,” Mr Nolan said.
Acknowledging that vets fear for their safety, Mr Nolan was astounded to hear some say that the vaccine should be compulsory so that they didn’t have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) because it’s too hot!
Mr Nolan alleged the entire process was more about financial gain then workplace safety, as both the drug manufacturing company, Zoetis, and the vets, made a considerable profit from the administration of the vaccine. He also expressed concern that as the drug company had a very limited clientele – being virtually Queensland only – it needed a good take-up to make their profits.
“Some vets are already refusing to treat horses that aren’t vaccinated against HeV – even if they aren’t showing symptoms of the virus. The vaccine costs are exorbitant, and because regulation states it has to be administered by a vet, you have those additional call out and treatment fees.
“Thoroughbred studs – big and small – will be crippled by these costs. Not only will studs be hit hard financially, but they stand to lose thousands of dollars in export sales, as many countries won’t import horses who have been vaccinated for Hendra Virus. The effect on broodmares and foals has also not been adequately researched.
“The Thoroughbred industry is a prime target because it is a regulated industry; the horses are micro-chipped and their details kept in a database. It’s easy to track racehorses so this can be forced upon us, while backyard horse owners –, who are the ones most at risk – will escape the net,” he said
Mr Nolan said the symposium also heard that if there was an outbreak at a racecourse the ‘lockdown’ would be a nightmare. But Mr Nolan argues this paints an unrealistic picture about a virus that has probably been around for decades and – while any related death was tragic – there had not been enough contamination to warrant the hysteria that had ensued.
“Racing Queensland is now considering the information presented at the symposium and will then decide if it should be compulsory for racehorses to be vaccinated. However, the TBQA is adamant that they can’t make an informed decision when they’ve only heard one side of the story,” he said.
Clifford Park to fore in rebranding
TOOWOOMBA’S premier Thoroughbred racing brand has been repositioned as ‘Clifford Park, Home of the Toowoomba Turf Club’ as part of a fundamental organisational rebrand strategy.
TTC Chairman, Bob Frappell said the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) was established in 1862 and for more than 150 years had conducted Thoroughbred racing at Clifford Park, Hursley Road Toowoomba. “The TTC brand has endured this long and rich tradition, however, the operating landscape for thoroughbred racing in Australia has changed since the club’s inception. While Clifford Park had been instrumental for Toowoomba’s social fabrication for more than 150 years, it must endeavour to do so for the next 150 years. Utilising Clifford Park as the foremost customer brand will help promote the wonderful facility we have,” Mr Frappell said.
TTC Chief Executive Officer, Blair Odgers stated that the organisation’s primary focus had shifted to utilising Clifford Park as a venue for functions and events with live Thoroughbred racing as the centrepiece. “Clifford Park is an established venue with a diverse scope of operations including racing, events, functions, club services as well as being one of Queensland’s busiest Thoroughbred training centre,” Mr Odgers said.
