horse industry groups (i.e. through their representation on the Horse Biosecurity Market Access Working Group), for dissemination to members. Biosecurity is not an accredited training provider, and cannot therefore provide formal training to veterinarians or horse owners in the use of PPE for example. Biosecurity , through the workshops and industry information, has actively encouraged stakeholders to obtain such training through accredited providers. 16 It is recommended that consideration be given to identification of knowledge gaps and research needs and funding opportunities for future research to address those gaps. This may involve discussions between representatives from relevant industry bodies in a manner similar to the 2007 henipavirus forum. Accepted FINALISED Two research forums have been convened by Biosecurity and brought together experts to identify information gaps and priority research needs in addressing future Hendra virus disease incidents. Biosecurity / AB-CRC Research forum held on 12 February 2009 - considered the vaccination and ‘horse side’ test options for the future. Biosecurity / horse spill over workshop held on 27 April 2009 –explored the behavioural aspects that may influence the spill over of Hendra virus from bats to horses. Several smaller projects identified at the forums have progressed, including development of a project to progress ‘Real-time’ Hendra virus research associated with spillover events” for future events and a retrospective review of all events to date to further examine epidemiological features that may be common. The development of a ‘point of care’ test for Hendra virus is under active consideration through the Australian Animal Health laboratory (AAHL). Please note: much of the work undertaken on Hendra virus to date has been through the Animal Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre, of which
QPIF is a member. Unfortunately the Cooperative Research Centre will not continue beyond June 2010, so alternate sources of funds on a national level will be required for larger research projects. 17 It is recommended that procedures for communication of information relating to orders for destruction of horses and the implementation of those orders be reviewed and consideration be given to arranging a meeting where possible to allow discussion of what is a stressful and demanding process. Accepted in principle Note - this recommendation may not be compatible with recommendation 18 YET TO BE PROGRESSED A review of the destruction notification procedures will be undertaken to determine the most appropriate procedure to be adopted in situations where animals are to be euthanased. This will require consideration of current legislative requirements, and natural justice and procedural fairness principles, including how notice must be given to animal owners, and what opportunity for reply is required. This willrequire legal advice. It is intended that this recommendation will be addressed in the second half of 2009. This Recommendation is to be considered with Recommendation 18. 18 It is recommended that once a decision is made to euthanase a horse that is either sero-positive or acutely ill with Hendra virus that the action be completed as soon as possible. Accepted in principle Note - this recommendation may not be compatible with recommendation 17 YET TO BE PROGRESSED A review of the procedures for euthanising animals once a decision to destroy has been made will be undertaken. This requires consideration of the notification requirements under legislation, and natural justice and procedural fairness principles such as the evidence required to base the decision and any right of animal owners to have a decision reviewed. This will require legal advice. It is intended that this recommendation will be addressed in the second half of 2009. This Recommendation is to be considered with Recommendation 17. 19 It is recommended that DPI&F (now QPIF) work with representatives from commercial laboratories to develop or review criteria for assessment and prioritisation of submission forms and to implement systems for adding laboratory representatives to notification and Accepted IN PROGRESS Initial consultation has been undertaken with private laboratories on this topic. There are strong indications that private laboratories are co-operative