Harness Racing Victoria is aware that the recent floods have affected many people within our community. To make it easy to access the information you need, we’ve put together a list of support and services available.
Did you know that the government is offering several support packages to people from areas affected by the floods? These include:
The Victorian Government is also offering one-off payments to help flood-affected communities begin recovery and clean up. The Primary Producer Flood Relief Program offers a $10,000 payment to eligible primary producers to help them clean up and get businesses up and running again. You may also be eligible for a concessional loan of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets. Find out more.
Businesses impacted by the floods can access a one-off grant of $5000 to cover immediate expenses, from Business Victoria. Businesses must be located within an eligible local government area and incurred significant damage to their business, assets, stock or equipment. Read the program guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) before applying. If you need assistance completing your application, call the Business Victoria Hotline on 13 22 15, seven days a week.
Other assistance
Business.vic.gov.au/flood recovery grants
Agriculture.vic.gov.au/primary producer recovery grants
We urge you to take advantage of the Industry Assistance Program to access counselling support services.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV)
Who is at risk of Japanese Encephalitis?
Flooding and heavy rainfall have increased the risk of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes in Victoria this season.
Anyone is potentially at risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and while most bites will only cause minor swelling and irritation, an infected mosquito can transmit potentially serious diseases. People with increased exposure to mosquitoes may be at a higher risk of infection.
Children aged under 5 years old and older people who are infected with JEV are at a higher risk of developing more severe illness, such as encephalitis.
Immunisation
Japanese encephalitis vaccination update | health.vic.gov.au
Other resources:
Japanese encephalitis | Australian Government Department of Health
Japanese encephalitis (JEV) resources | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
harness.org.au/DAWE Emergency animal Disease Alert for Horse Owners
What is Japanese encephalitis?
Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread through mosquito bites and is more common in areas of increased mosquito activity. It is a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by a virus spread to humans through mosquito bites.
Infection in humans is most commonly asymptomatic, but on rare occasions it can result in severe disease and even death.
It cannot be transmitted from human to human, or by eating meat from an infected animal.
Symptoms
Most cases of Japanese encephalitis in people are asymptomatic, however those with severe infection may experience: neck stiffness, coma, and more rarely, permanent neurological complications or death.
Encephalitis is the most serious clinical consequence of a JEV infection.
Illness usually begins with symptoms such as:
If you believe you may be infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus, seek urgent medical assistance.
How it spreads
The Japanese encephalitis virus spreads when a human is bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten an animal infected with the virus.
You can help stop the disease spreading by avoiding being bitten by mosquitos.
People and horses are considered ‘dead end’ hosts - once infected, they do not play a role in transmitting the virus.
Prevention
There are 2 ways to prevent Japanese encephalitis:
You can protect yourself from being bitten by mosquitos by:
The best mosquito repellents contain diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Diagnosis
Japanese encephalitis is confirmed through a combination laboratory testing and clinical assessment.
If you think you may be infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus seek urgent seek medical assistance.
Treatment
There are no treatments for Japanese encephalitis. You can relieve the symptoms by:
In more severe cases, hospitalisation for supportive care and close observation may be required.
For more information about JEV in horses. Japanese Encephalitis Update - Integrity Matters (thetrots.com.au)
Travelling to race meetings
We are monitoring weather and road conditions for all upcoming race meetings. If we need to reschedule a meeting, we will do so at the earliest possible time and advise participants via SMS.
Participants are reminded that a number of roads remain closed and are advised to check VicRoads to determine a suitable route.
If you have nominated and are unable to attend, please contact the racing office to scratch your horse without penalty.
Please consider your attendance at races and take the utmost care if you do decide to travel.
We also need participant input to gather a better picture of the damage caused to properties and equipment. By filling in this form you will help shape our response and the information that is shared with government representatives. Fill in the form now.