Australia's Equine Influenza Outbreak Affects Farriers

More than 14,000 Australian horses are now known to be ill with Equine Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory illness. As a result, severe restrictions have been placed in effect throughout the continent. These quarantines and disease containment procedures, which many estimate will last for three months, restrict the movement of all horses in the affected areas and prohibit farriers from entering these areas.

While we realize that such restrictions are necessary to contain the outbreak and ensure equine welfare throughout the Australian continent, the American Farrier's Association also recognizes that such restrictions result in a major financial burden for Australian farriers, many of whom are AFA members. Our heartfelt well wishes go out to the Australian equine community during this trying time. In order to help our fellow farriers and Australian members during this time, the AFA's Board of Directors has voted to waive registration fees for up to twenty Australian farriers choosing to attend the AFA's 2008 Annual Convention in Lexington, KY.

The American Farrier's Association is a non-profit organization with a mission to further the professional development of farriers, to provide leadership and resources for the benefit of the farrier industry, and to improve the welfare of the horse through continuing farrier education. For more information about the American Farrier's Association, call (859) 233-7411, or go to

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