What is a Hendra Vaccinated Event - HVE?

A Hendra Vaccinated Event (HVE) is an Event that requires all or some of the attending horses to be vaccinated against Hendra Virus.

How can I find out if I need to classify my event as a HVE?

During the initial planning stages of your event you will need to assess the biosecurity risk of a Hendra virus incident at your event by using the EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION HENDRA BIOSECURITY CHECKLIST – available from Equestrian Australia

What is the Equestrian Competition Hendra Biosecurity Checklist?

The Equestrian Competition Hendra Biosecurity Checklist is a questionnaire that will allow event organisers to self-assess the biosecurity risk of a Hendra incident at their event.

The results of the assessment will tell event organisers if they need to classify their event as a HVE.

I’ve heard there are different requirements for events based on their location, is this true?

Yes, the event entry requirements depend on the location of your event and if it is being held in the Endemic or Non Endemic Region.

What is the Endemic Region?

The Endemic Region is classed as Queensland and NSW.

What is the Non Endemic Region?

The Non Endemic Region is classed as Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and the territories of Northern Territory and the ACT.

What are the requirements for events located within the Endemic region?

If organisers complete the Equestrian Competition Hendra Biosecurity Checklist and obtain a score of 50 and above they will need to make their event a HVE. In this situation the OC shall make Hendra vaccination a condition of entry for all attending horses.

What are the requirements for events located within the Non Endemic Region?

If organisers complete the Hendra Biosecurity Checklist and obtain a score of 50 and above they will need to make their event a HVE. In this situation only horses travelling from the endemic regions must be Hendra vaccinated and horses from the Non-Endemic regions DO NOT have to be Hendra vaccinated.

Who defines the endemic and Non Endemic regions?

The Endemic and Non Endemic regions are defined by EA, based on information made available from the relevant state animal biosecurity authorities.

What do I need to do if my event is being held in the Endemic Region and is classed as a HVE?

If your Event is classified a HVE and is being held in the Endemic Region you must advise all riders that it is a condition of entry that all attending horses must be vaccinated against Hendra virus.

What do I need to do if my event is being held in the Non Endemic Region and is classed as a HVE?

If your Event is classified a HVE and is being held in the Non Endemic Region you must advise that riders travelling from New South Wales and Queensland that it is a condition of entry that all attending horses must be vaccinated against Hendra virus.

How will EA ensure that events are complying with this By-Law?

EA will conduct random audits on organising committees and or events to determine compliance of the By-Law. The audits will assess if the checklist has being correctly applied by an organising committee.

What penalties will be imposed on event organisers if they are found to incorrectly classify their event?

If through random audits an Event is found to be incorrectly classified then EA will work with the Organising Committee to ensure the equestrian competition Hendra Biosecurity Checklist is being correctly applied.

Will the event or the rider/owner be penalised if a horse is found to have breached this by-law?

Events will not be penalised if an unvaccinated horse is found to have attended their HVE. If events are found to have incorrectly completed the checklist they will be required to undergo counselling to ensure the checklist is applied correctly in the future.

Will a grace period be afforded to events that are occurring after 1 October which have already submitted their schedule?

The Hendra By-Law comes into effect on 1 July however a three month grace period will be offered to allow events and horse owners/riders to comply with the By-Law. The By-Law will be implemented on 1 October however events during the month of October that had published their schedule prior to 1 July 2014 will also be exempt.

Do I need to lodge the Checklist with EA or my state branch?

No, but you will need to keep the checklist on file and provide it to EA if you are selected to take part in a random audit.

It is compulsory for my event to complete the checklist?

No, but if you do not complete the checklist you must classify your event as a HVE

Can events apply for an exemption?

An opportunity exists for reclassification of a HVE ONLY under extenuating circumstances, by application to the E Veterinary Committee prior to the scheduling of the Event.

Requests will need to be made in writing and submitted to the following:
Address: PO Box 673, Sydney Markets, NSW, 2129
Email: info@equestrian.org.au
Fax: 02 9763 2466