Vaccination program in the response to the 2007 equine influenza outbreak in Australia.

The research article discusses the vaccination approach used to control and eradicate an outbreak of equine influenza (EI) in Australia in 2007. The authors break down the complexities involved in the selection and distribution of a vaccine, and the specific programs used in buffer zones and for horse movement.

Vaccine Selection and Distribution

• The researchers highlight the constraints they faced during the 2007 outbreak. Initially, vaccination was only permitted for horses that required it for importing purposes and only with approval from the state or territory Chief Veterinary Officer.
• The paper discusses the complexities involved in choosing the right vaccine and how it was distributed. A combination of ring, predictive, and blanket vaccination was employed.

Specific Vaccination Programs

• The authors then touch on how the vaccine was used in specific programs. It was used in buffer zones, areas in close proximity to the affected horses, to prevent the further spread of the disease.
• The vaccine was also employed for the movement of horses. This was a measure used to protect unaffected horses during transport from getting the virus.

Vaccine Performance and Adverse Effects

• The paper also reviews how effectively the vaccine worked, keeping track of any adverse reactions in the horses that were vaccinated.
• The authors discuss the effects of exposure to the circulating virus on vaccinated horses. This involves assessing how the vaccine’s efficacy was influenced by the prevailing conditions.

Vaccine’s Contribution to Eradicating EI

• The authors concluded that vaccination made a significant contribution to containing and ultimately eradicating EI from Australia.
• It also greatly helped in managing the risk when horse-related activities resumed in areas previously affected by the virus from December 2007 onwards.

Importance of Movement Restrictions and Biosecurity Measures

• The paper underscores that movement restrictions and other biosecurity measures were crucial in controlling the spread of EI and eventually eradicating it.
• It mentions that vaccination was an aid to these measures, implying the conjoined effects of both vaccination and biosecurity measures helped in controlling the outbreak effectively.