Horse RD&E Plan

Horse RD&E Plan 2011–2016

RIRDCShaping the future

Horse RD&E Plan 2011 – 2016

July 2011

RIRDC Publication No. 11/071

ISBN 978-1-74254-255-3 ISSN 1440-6845

Horse RD&E Plan 2011-2016 Publication No. 11/071

The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.

The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors.

The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.

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RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected]. Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Electronically published by RIRDC in July 2011 Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au or phone 1300 634 313

Foreword

The RIRDC Horse Research, Development and Extension Program is one of RIRDC’s longest running programs. The Program has provided more than $11 million into over 200 projects since it began in 1995, investigating issues of key interest to the horse industry such as neonatal death, race course and rider safety, wastage, nutrition, respiratory disease, laminitis, placentitis and reproduction. The RIRDC project (Economic Evaluation of Investment in the Horse RD&E Program) published in 2011 assessed three clusters of investment made under the 2006-2011 Horse R&D Plan. The analyses found all three investments provided positive returns with Benefit-Cost Ratios ranging from 1.8 to 6.2. RIRDC is committed to the development of Five-year Plans for each of its Research, Development and Extension Programs in keeping with the Corporation’s Five-year Strategic Business Plan, and the National and Rural Research Priorities. The Australian horse industry represents a wide variety of activities including primary production as well as sports and recreational interests. Many benefits are to be gained in all sectors of the horse industry from high calibre targeted research. During the first part of the life of this Plan stakeholders in the horse industry will consider how to develop and introduce a statutory levy to fund the Horse Research, Development and Extension Program. While this will challenge stakeholders, a statutory levy will place the Program’s funding on a more secure footing than previously existed, with the Australian Government matching levies. This Plan aims to assist the industry build and develop its future. The Plan builds on maintains, with minor changes, the generic objectives of the previous Plan. Under this Plan an engagement strategy will annually identify specific issues facing stakeholders under these objectives for which targeted research projects will be developed.

Craig Burns Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

iii

Snapshot of the Five-year Plan

Vision

Our vision is: • For the Australian horse industry to be nationally and internationally recognised for its excellence as a reputable user and supplier of quality horses, products and services; and • For the industry to expand in the global market by having the requisite skills and knowledge for efficient, profitable and sustainable production. Mission

Our mission is to manage the horse industry and government investment in research and development to: • Ensure the health and welfare of the horse • Assist the industry to be more profitable, increase the export potential of the industry and improve retention through good management practices • Promote the sustainable use of land and water resources Objectives

1. Reduce the incidence and impact of diseases and parasites in horses (20-30%)

2. Reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training (20-30%)

3. Improve breeding outcomes and foal development (10-20%)

4. Improve the safety of industry participants and the welfare of horses, and enhance the environmental sustainability of the industry (20-30%)

5. Promote education and training for the horse industry through opportunities for training researchers and by effective communication of RD&E to horse industry stakeholders (10-20%)

Contents

Foreword ...... iii

Snapshot of the Five-year Plan ...... iv

1. Introduction ...... 1

2. Industry Profile ...... 3

3. Key Industry Challenges ...... 7

4. Industry Commitment ...... 8

5. Research Directions ...... 10

6. The Research & Development Program ...... 17

7. Objectives ...... 20

8. Proposed Budget ...... 25

9. Communication, Adoption and Commercial Opportunities ...... 27

Tables Table 1.1 Alignment of Program objectives with RIRDC strategy and Government research priorities ...... 2 Table 2.1 RD&E expenditure for two periods 1995-2005 and the previous Five- year plan (2006-2011) ...... 6 Table 6.1 Program objectives and goals ...... 18 Table 8.1 Proposed Horse RD&E Program budget 2011/12-2015/16 ...... 25

1. Introduction

This is the fourth Five-year Research and Development (RD&E) Plan for Australia’s equine industry. The first Five-year R&D Plan of the RIRDC Horse Program was developed in 1995–96 following the Program’s establishment in 1995. The second R&D plan, developed in 2001, covered 2002–20061. The third plan covered 2006-2011. This plan builds on the previous plans with a focus on the areas of research, development and extension activities (RD&E) that are of greatest potential value to Australia’s horse industry and where there are capabilities to provide high quality RD&E. Alignment with Government and RIRDC priorities

Table 1.1 indicates the alignment of the Program’s five objectives RIRDC’s relevant Strategy and the Government’s Rural Research Priorities and National Research Priorities. Preparation of the Plan

The RD&E plan was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, industry representatives and members of the RIRDC Horse RD&E Advisory Committee. Preparation of the plan involved discussion of the current and future issues facing the industry and the role of RD&E in addressing these issues. A draft plan was developed by the Program Manager, Dr Nigel Perkins with assistant from the Senior Program Manager, Dr Dave Alden. The major elements of the draft plan were used as the basis for consultation with key industry stakeholders. The Horse Advisory Committee recommended the draft plan to the RIRDC Board for approval

Table 1.1 Alignment of Program objectives with RIRDC strategy and Government research priorities

National Research Rural Research Program Objective RIRDC Strategy Priority Priority An environmentally Natural resource Objective 4: Improve To invest in research sustainable Australia management the safety of industry and development for participants and the RIRDC’s established Climate variability and welfare of horses, and rural industries, in climate change enhance the areas identified by environmental Government and sustainability of the industry as high industry priority that promote development and Frontier technologies Productivity and Objective 1: Reduce uptake of innovative for building and adding value the incidence and technologies and transforming impact of disease and solutions, in pursuit of Australian industries Supply chain and parasites in horses markets RIRDC’s goal to Objective 2: Reduce provide the knowledge the injury and to increase the breakdown of horses profitability, resilience in work and training and sustainability of RIRDC’s established Objective 3: Improve industries. breeding outcomes and foal development Objective 5: Promote education and training for the horse industry through opportunities for training researchers and by effective communication of RD&E to horse industry stakeholders Safeguarding Australia Biosecurity Objective 1: Reduce the incidence and impact of disease and parasites in horses

2. Industry Profile

The Australian horse industry represents a wide variety of activities including primary production as well as sports and recreational interests. The sector interests are arranged with a local, regional, state and/or federal focus. Many sectors or specific interest groups have a multi-level operating structure with some form of over-arching governance at the national level with considerable variation between interest groups about how governance and finances are managed. Local branches or clubs are likely to be responsible for organising and running events (race meetings, gymkhanas, three-day events etc) as members of a state-based organisation. State bodies may then contribute office-holders for a national body responsible for integration and harmonisation of rules and regulations. Australia is recognised internationally as a producer of outstanding horses and competitors in a wide diversity of disciplines and events. Racing and breeding attract national and international interest and investment and enjoy a high profile within the nation as illustrated by events such as the Melbourne Cup and annual yearling sales. Australian horses and riders have enjoyed success over many years in international Three Day Eventing including multiple medals at Olympic Games level. Horses are acknowledged for making a significant contribution to the history and social fabric of Australian life as well as an important contributor to the Australian economy. The Australian horse industry has been affected by a number of events in the past few years. In 2007 an outbreak of equine influenza resulted in a large-scale emergency disease response effort across the two infected states (Queensland and New South Wales) as well as intensive surveillance in other states. The outbreak was associated with serious adverse impacts on horse industry stakeholders through interruption or delay of normal day to day activities. Successful eradication of the disease was attributed to effective partnership between government agencies and horse industry groups and individuals. Hendra virus cases have continued to occur every one to two years and have resulted in deaths in horses and people. Serious and widespread drought and feed restrictions have at times caused widespread impact on horse industry operations and more recently widespread flooding has resulted in adverse impacts on all agricultural operations particularly across much of eastern Australia. Issues such as climate change and competition with other sectors for access to and use of land have contributed to uncertainty over the future of the horse industry in some areas. The global financial crisis of 2008 has impacted commercial activities such as breeding and racing as well as sales of horses more generally. All of these issues have meant that the Australian horse industry is arguably in a position of increased uncertainty coupled with financial and environmental pressure. There is a lack of credible information detailing the number of horses in Australia and their geographic distribution and this has been acknowledged as contributing to difficulties in planning for and responding to horse-related emergency issues such as the 2007 equine influenza outbreak and the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires in Victoria.

A report published by RIRDC in 20011 estimated that there were between 0.9 to 1.5 million horses in Australia and that about 300,000 of these were feral horses. During the 2007 equine influenza outbreak it was estimated that there were at least 1.2 million horses, with 400,000 brumbies and 316,000 horses on agricultural properties. In the thoroughbred breeding industry alone 26,595 mares were covered in the 2009-10 season and 824 stallions stood at stud. In the period following the equine influenza outbreak there has been considerable discussion and consultation over the participation of the Australian horse industry in the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA), a contractual arrangement between livestock industry groups, state and territory governments and the Commonwealth, to collectively manage preparation for and response to, emergency animal disease (EAD) incursions. In December 2010, four representative horse industry bodies (Australian Racing Board, Australian Harness Racing, Australian Horse Industry Council and Equestrian Australia) that collectively provide representation of most horse industry groups in the country, signed an agreement (EADRA) to support a cost sharing arrangement. The submission is currently being considered by the Federal Government. RD&E funding is provided to RIRDC by a range of groups and individuals within the horse industry. The total industry contribution to RIRDC is approximately $300,000 per annum with 80 per cent of this coming from the thoroughbred racing industry. The RIRDC Horse RD&E Program partnership between industry and government continues to deliver high quality, world recognised research from a small funding base with a leverage of 3:1 on every dollar contributed by industry as a voluntary contribution to the RIRDC Horse Program (considering direct investment only) and rising to 7:1 when direct and indirect investment from sources other than voluntary industry contributions are considered. History of the Horse Program

The RIRDC Equine RD&E Program was established in 1995 with the appointment of the Equine RD&E Advisory Committee and a Research Manager. Initial financial support came from the Australian Conference of Principal Racing Clubs (now the Australian Racing Board), with additional support from the Australian Stock Horse Society, the Australian Harness Racing Council, the Equestrian Federation of Australia, the Australian Quarter Horse Association, and the Australian Equine Veterinary Association. During the 2006-2011 Five-year plan the Program has received financial support from: • the Australian Racing Board • Logans Livestock Insurance • the Australian Stock Horse Society • Howard Insurance • the Equestrian Federation of Australia

1 Gordon 2001, The Australian Horse Industry – contributing to the economy, RIRDC Publication No. 01/083

• Tyreel Stud • the Australian Equine Veterinary Association • Gerry Harvey • the Australian Thoroughbred Breeders Club • Coolmore Australia • the Paint Horse Association of Australia • Alanbridge Stud • Dolly van Zaane • PrimeVal Australasia • International Racehorse Transport • Ms Barb Vial At the time the 2006-2011 Five-year plan was developed the annual Horse Program budget was expected to be between $600,000 – 700,000. A decision was made by Racing Victoria Limited to make an additional annual contribution of $200,000 to the Horse Program and this contribution was matched dollar-for-dollar from RIRDC Core Budget. This resulted in the annual RD&E budget exceeding $1million for this three year period. The annual contribution from Racing Victoria Limited ended after three years and the impact of the global financial crisis has also meant that some voluntary contributors have decided to cease supporting the program. As a result the annual RD&E budget in the final year of the current Five-year plan has reduced to about $600,000. In the period since the Horse Program began in 1995, it is estimated that 204 projects have been initiated (to the end of the 2010-2011 financial year) for a total RIRDC expenditure of $11.2 million. Recording and analysing financial information has been facilitated by the move to a web-based project management system within RIRDC (called Clarity), that occurred during the current Five-year plan. Program expenditure over the previous two Five-year plans is summarised in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 RD&E expenditure for two periods 1995-2005 and the previous Five-year plan (2006-2011) 1995-2005 2006-2011 Category $ n % $ n % Athletic injuries 794,212 14 11.5 556,127 9 12.9 Environment 354,979 8 5.1 Exercise physiology 80,000 3 1.2 Exotic diseases 6,000 1 0.1 Horse industry & levy 88,210 4 1.3 93,068 2 2.2 Newsletter 859,294 5 12.4 273,420 3 6.3 Non-racing MS conditions 749,941 10 10.8 735,440 7 17.0 Nutrition 551,533 12 8.0 Other diseases 206,666 5 3.0 190,619 7 4.4 Parasite 129,511 2 1.9 238,954 2 5.5 Racetrack management 61,418 10 0.9 16,000 1 0.4 Reproduction 1,043,465 15 15.1 342,589 6 7.9 Respiratory disease 1,332,233 27 19.3 358,820 7 8.3 Scholarship 78,000 1 1.1 315,000 5 7.3 Training & travel 240,758 7 3.5 60,281 16 1.4 Wastage 176,356 4 2.6 37,000 1 0.9 Welfare 161,712 4 2.3 1,101,515 6 25.5 Total 6,914,288 132 100.0 4,318,833 72 100.0 Source: RIRDC database

In the 2006-2011 Five-year plan expenditure through the Horse Program has been directed to RD&E projects (85%), PhD scholarships (7%), production and circulation of a newsletter devoted to Horse Program activities and horse RD&E news (6%), sponsorship of conferences and industry educational events (1%) and support of travel grants for researchers to attend professional meetings and conferences (1%). A total of 72 separate activities have been initiated in the current Five-year plan (48 research projects, 11 travel grants, 5 scholarships, 5 conference/events sponsorship activities, and 3 newsletter contracts) for a total budgeted expenditure of $4.32 million. In the previous Five-year plan (2001-2006) there were a total of 49 separate project activities for a total expenditure of $2.84 million.

3. Key Industry Challenges

The SWOT analysis

Strengths

Horses are acknowledged for making a significant contribution to the history and social fabric of Australian life as well as an important contributor to the Australian economy. Australia has an outstanding research community that produces world-class research. The RIRDC Horse RD&E Program achieves very good return on investment. It is estimated that every $1 contributed by industry results in research to the value of $8. A recent economic impact analysis of randomly selected projects from the RIRDC Program indicated a benefit to cost ratios ranging from 2:1 to 6:1. Weaknesses

The Australian horse industry represents a wide variety of activities including primary production as well as sports and recreational interests. The priorities of the various stakeholders for research, development and extension activities may not align. Opportunities

The RIRDC report (Evaluation of the options for a horse Research, Development and Extension Levy) published in 2011 will help guide discussions within Australia’s horse industry on the potential introduction of a horse industry RD&E statutory levy. Threats

If the phasing out of RIRDC core funds to the Program is not more than off-set by increases in voluntary contributions and a matched statutory levy, the revenue for the Program will be reduced.

4. Industry Commitment

Voluntary industry contributions

The Horse Program has been supported by voluntary industry contributions since inception. The major contribution is from the Australian Racing Board (ARB) in the form of a $20 fee or “levy” imposed on registration of thoroughbred racehorses to race in Australia, through Racing Information Services Australia. The ARB contribution provides between $250,000 to $290,000 per annum, representing between 80-90% of all voluntary contributions. A range of other contributors provide annual contributions varying from $100 to $10,000. Total voluntary contributions are expected to be between $300 to $340,000 per annum. Core RIRDC contributions

It has become increasingly apparent to the Horse Program Advisory Committee that the current dependence on voluntary industry contributions and discretionary matching from RIRDC Core funds, is vulnerable to a range of externalities over which the Horse Program Advisory Committee has little control. Statutory industry levy

Implementation of a statutory levy would secure a stable funding base for the program. The RIRDC Board has indicated to the Horse Program that progress must be made to implement a statutory levy to support horse RD&E and that continued dependence on voluntary funding is unsustainable. The Committee has been pursuing discussions over several years to seek advice from industry stakeholders on RD&E levy options. These discussions have been impacted by the equine influenza outbreak and the subsequent industry wide debate over a disease levy. In consultation with industry bodies a decision was made by the Horse Committee to delay attempts to develop a proposal for a statutory industry RD&E levy while industry was debating a separate proposal for a zero-rated emergency disease levy under an Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA). It is important to note that the EADRA and its associated zero-rate levy mechanism is a separate concept to the idea of a non-zero based statutory industry levy used for RD&E. However, there was felt to be sufficient potential for confusion over the two issues that it was felt appropriate to delay discussion on an RD&E levy until the EADRA discussion had been progressed. The EADRA is intended to implement a partnership between governments and industry bodies that allows more effective management of the cost and responsibility for an emergency response to an animal disease outbreak. The EADRA levy has been likened to an insurance policy – it is only enacted if an emergency disease response occurs and if the particular disease is included within the EADRA. An industry statutory levy is a separate concept intended to facilitate industry investment in RD&E and other activities such as marketing, animal health programs and residue testing. Information about primary industry levies can be found at

http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/levies. A statutory levy proposal must be supported by industry members and is expected to define a mechanism to collect levies from industry members. The RD&E component of levies are then matched (within prescribed limits and conditions) by Australian Government funds. A statutory levy implemented for the horse industry would provide secure and relatively stable funding for industry RD&E and potentially for other prescribed purposes. The Horse Committee continues to work with industry bodies to progress towards a statutory levy funding position to support Horse RD&E. A RIRDC report (Evaluation of the options for a horse Research, Development and Extension Levy) will help guide discussions within Australia’s horse industry on the potential introduction of a horse industry RD&E statutory levy. The report will assist members of Australia’s horse industry better understand the range of issues involved in the development of an industry wide levy proposal. Industry members participate in the determination of annual priorities for research, development and extension activities through membership of the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is committed to expand the stakeholder input to the determination of annual priorities for research.

5. Research Directions

To guide the direction of the 2011-2016 Plan, the following analysis of the previous Plan was undertaken and is reported below. The analysis was prepared by the Program Manager and endorsed by the Horse Advisory Committee. Performance review of 2006-2011 R&D Plan

Vision • For the Australian horse industry to be nationally and internationally recognised for its excellence as a reputable user and supplier of quality horses, products and services; and • For the industry to expand in the global market by having the requisite skills and knowledge for efficient, profitable and sustainable production. Mission Our mission is to manage the horse industry and government investment in research and development to: • Ensure the health and welfare of the horse • Assist the industry to be more profitable and reduce the current level of wastage • Encourage the export potential of the industry • Promote the sustainable use of land and water resources Objectives 1. Reduce the incidence and impact of diseases and parasites in horses (30%) 2. Reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training (30%) 3. Improve productivity in breeding (15%) 4. Improve the safety of industry participants and the welfare of horses, and enhance the environmental sustainability of the industry (10%) 5. Promote the quality, quantity and effective communication of R&D for the horse industry (15%) Each objective in the Five-year plan was accompanied by strategies and targets. Performance against targets Objective 1: Reduce the incidence and impact of diseases and parasites • Availability of tests and identification methods for three diseases assessed by the industry as major threats by 2012.

o PRJ-000546: Development of improved treatment and prevention strategies for inflammatory airway disease

o PRJ-002589: Breath sampling for prediction of Rhodococcus equi infection in neonatal foals

o PRJ-000528: Identification of horses with resistance to small strongyle infections

o PRJ-002468: Diagnosis and control of small strongyle parasites of horses o PRJ-000744: Placentitis: A major cause of late term foetal loss in thoroughbred mares

o PRJ-000530: Investigation of causal factors for equine amnionitis and foetal loss

o PRJ-002592: Histopathology of mares aborting due to Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss

o PRJ-000769: Treatment of placentitis in thoroughbred mares: efficacy of altrenogest

o PRJ-000669: The development of horse embryonic stem cells (eESCs) • Significant industry adoption of disease management strategies for Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) (50% of major horse trainers) and Rhodococcus equi pneumonia (50% of horse breeding farms) for which risk factors are known by 2015.

o RIRDC reports have contributed to major changes in the way stakeholders manage horse operations to reduce risk, aim for early detection and implement effective therapy.

o PRJ-000546: Development of improved treatment and prevention strategies for inflammatory airway disease

o PRJ-002589: Breath sampling for prediction of Rhodococcus equi infection in neonatal foals • Risk factors identified within 5 years of industry identifying a priority, management strategies developed within 7 years for these diseases.

o Recognition of an unreported syndrome of abortion in broodmares in 2004- 2005 was followed by RIRDC investment in R&D that has identified causative factors, pathogenesis and developed recommendations for minimising risk of the condition occurring. . PRJ-000530: Investigation of causal factors for equine amnionitis and foetal loss . PRJ-002592: Histopathology of mares aborting due to Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss

o RIRDC investment in placentitis R&D has resulted in improved methods for diagnosis and management of high risk pregnancies . PRJ-000744: Placentitis: A major cause of late term foetal loss in thoroughbred mares

. PRJ-000769: Treatment of placentitis in thoroughbred mares: efficacy of altrenogest

o RIRDC investment in pulmonary haemorrhage in racehorses has produced advances in our understanding of the condition and has identified therapeutic approaches that may be useful. . PRJ-000612: The role of macrophages in recovery from exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage • Commercial availability of parasite treatments that address resistance and are cost competitive with existing treatments or guidelines on use of treatments to minimise development of resistance included with commercial products by 2015.

o PRJ-000528: Identification of horses with resistance to small strongyle infections

o PRJ-002468: Diagnosis and control of small strongyle parasites of horses • Participation in two international collaboration areas of priority to industry.

o PRJ-000614: Epidemiology and risk factor analysis of racetrack fatalities – collaboration with University of Liverpool

o PRJ-004314: Epidemiological investigations into the 2007 equine influenza outbreak – collaboration with University of Liverpool

o PRJ-003587: Jockey Essential Functions information pack for treating practitioners – collaboration with researchers from Ireland

o PRJ-000255: Determining reliable excretion rates for therapeutic drugs in horses – collaboration with University of Pennsylvania on analyses (in progress)

o PRJ-002394, PRJ-003651, PRJ-005090, PRJ-000272 – Series of projects investigating factors associated with athletic injuries in racehorses and involving collaboration with Colorado State University researchers

o PRJ-002597, PRJ-005180, PRJ-002274: RIRDC sponsorship of international conferences in equine science and equitation science Objective 2: Reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training • Report on the conclusions established from the musculoskeletal workshop, outlining research plans and objectives for the next 5 years that will stimulate project submissions from these researchers.

o Researchers active in developmental bone and musculoskeletal R&D have been consulted over arranging a workshop. Plans were delayed because of researcher availability issues and then because of budget constraints within the RIRDC program. The stakeholder group has indicated that it would be appropriate for two current projects to be completed and then inform a workshop and the workshop has been delayed as a result until the following projects are completed.

. PRJ-000216: Pathophysiological mechanisms in equine osteochondrosis . PRJ-002266: Maternal metabolic status and the occurrence of OCD in Thoroughbred foals • Produce a single report for the horse industry that summarises the significant findings from RIRDC funded studies noted above, allowing the findings to be adopted by greater than 50% of the industry. Areas needing additional research will be identified.

o See above • Produce and distribute guidelines for training surfaces by 2012.

o A project report on “National standards for track monitoring assessment and design” (PRJ-000725) has been completed. The Committee received a PRP for further work in 2008 and provided feedback on the design and methods – requesting more statistical and engineering rigour and evidence of collaboration - and a revised application has not been received since. Objective 3: Improve productivity in breeding • Objective evidence of reduced embryonic loss linked to the use of the strategies/tests. Adoption of strategies/tests developed by the R&D by 40%of the major breeders by 2015.

o PRJ-000744: Placentitis: A major cause of late term foetal loss in thoroughbred mares

o PRJ-000530: Investigation of causal factors for equine amnionitis and foetal loss

o PRJ-002592: Histopathology of mares aborting due to Equine Amnionitis and Foetal Loss

o PRJ-000769: Treatment of placentitis in thoroughbred mares: efficacy of altrenogest • Objective evidence of the impact of management regimes for target diseases in foals. Adoption of these management regimes developed by the R&D by 40%of the major breeders by 2015.

o Significant advances have been made in understanding of selected foal diseases and outputs and recommendations have been conveyed to stakeholders. Further work in this area has been started under current projects.

o PRJ-000216: Pathophysiological mechanisms in equine osteochondrosis o PRJ-002266: Maternal metabolic status and the occurrence of OCD in Thoroughbred foals

o PRJ-000858: Development of genomic tools to predict the occurrence of osteochondrosis

o PRJ-004862: An adenoviral vector vaccine against Rhodococcus equi (in progress) • Documented management strategies for at least two selected neonatal diseases (eg Rhodococcus equi pneumonia (rattles) and osteochondrosis) being tested by breeders by 2011.

o PRJ-000858: Development of genomic tools to predict the occurrence of osteochondrosis

o PRJ-002589: Breath sampling for prediction of Rhodococcus equi infection in neonatal foals

o PRJ-003891: Respiratory disease and biomarkers in the foal (in progress) Objective 4: Improve the safety of industry participants and the welfare of horses, and enhance the environmental sustainability of the industry • Assist equine industry organisations to provide information to support the development or implementation of strategies to improve horse or human safety in their industry segment by 2011.

o PRJ-000614: Epidemiology and risk factor analysis of racetrack fatalities o PRJ-000645: SHARE - Safety for horses and riders in eventing o PRJ-000765: Health and safety in Australian racing o PRJ-000094: Alfaxalone anaesthesia in horses: Potential for improved safety for horses

o PRJ-002288: The Science of Horse Training: Implications for rider safety and horse welfare (in progress)

o PRJ-003587: Jockey Essential Functions information pack for treating practitioners (in progress)

o PRJ-05116: Developing training programs to prevent injury in young racehorses (in progress) • Contribute to the development of international cooperative research on detection of therapeutic and prohibited substances.

o PRJ-000255: Determining reliable excretion rates for therapeutic drugs in horses – collaboration with University of Pennsylvania on analyses.

o PRJ-000790: An investigation into the detection of three common veterinary pharmaceutical drugs • Support drug administration trials to produce a knowledge base for use by both regulators and industry participants.

o o PRJ-000255: Determining reliable excretion rates for therapeutic drugs in horses – collaboration with University of Pennsylvania on analyses.

o o PRJ-000790: An investigation into the detection of three common veterinary pharmaceutical drugs

• Ensure industry engagement in the development of management strategies introduced by government agencies, for reducing the environmental impact of horses is backed by sound and accepted research on impact.

o RIRDC funded R&D in this area has led to Horse SA producing a suite of information under the title “Horses, Land and Water” and this has been well received by Australian stakeholders and has generated international interest in using the materials.

o Further work on environmental issues is progressing in current projects. Objective 5: Promote the quality, quantity and effective communication of R&D for the horse industry • Attracting at least two new investors in the Program.

o The program received a major additional contribution of $200,000 from Racing Victoria Limited for three years (ending 30 June 2009).

o A cap on availability of matching funds of $300,000 per annum has meant that industry stakeholders have little incentive for investing in the program over and above the current voluntary contribution level of about $300,000. • Raising the contribution by industry to $500,000 a year.

o This was achieved during the Five-year plan. Limitations in availability of matching funds have limited our ability to attract additional voluntary funds. Efforts are being directed to implementation of a statutory levy to support R&D into the future. • Positive feedback from industry organisation members on communication.

o Stakeholder consultation has taken place during RIRDC supported events such as Equitana and sponsored conferences (Equine Science and International Equitation Science), as well as specific consultation with organisations and individuals contributing voluntary funds to support the program, and with veterinarians and horse owners/managers/enthusiasts. Feedback is consistently positive. • Implementation of common research protocols across Australia’s equine veterinary schools by 2011.

o Considered by the Committee and not supported as a priority activity. Members of the RIRDC Committee have visited several veterinary schools to consult with research providers and are in regular contact with a range of research providers. Veterinary schools and other major research providers have effective existing methods of oversight and governance of R&D.

Economic Evaluation of Investment in the 2006-2011 Horse RD&E Program

The RIRDC project (Economic Evaluation of Investment in the Horse RD&E Program) published in 2011 assessed three clusters of investment made under the 2006-2011 Horse R&D Plan. The projects evaluated demonstrated a wide range of predominantly economic benefits, a number of which were quantified in value terms. Funding for the three clusters of projects analysed totalled $1.07 million (present value terms) and produced aggregate total benefits of $3.85 million (present value terms). The Horse RD&E Program share of the total investment was 38%. The analyses found all three investments provided positive returns with benefit to cost ratios ranging from 1.8 to 6.2.

6. The Research & Development Program

The Horse Program’s vision, mission and objectives for the 2011-2016 Plan are virtually the same as those for the previous Plan, as they continue to be relevant. Vision

• For the Australian horse industry to be nationally and internationally recognised for its excellence as a reputable user and supplier of quality horses, products and services; and

• For the industry to expand in the global market by having the requisite skills and knowledge for efficient, profitable and sustainable production.

Mission

Our mission is to manage the horse industry and government investment in research and development to: • Ensure the health and welfare of the horse

• Assist the industry to be more profitable and reduce the current level of wastage

• Encourage the export potential of the industry

• Promote the sustainable use of land and water resources

Objectives

1. Reduce the incidence and impact of diseases and parasites in horses (20-30%)

2. Reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training (20-30%)

3. Improve breeding outcomes and foal development (10-20%)

4. Improve the safety of industry participants and the welfare of horses, and enhance the environmental sustainability of the industry (20-30%)

5. Promote education and training for the horse industry through opportunities for training researchers and by effective communication of RD&E to horse industry stakeholders (10-20%)

RD&E Objectives

The Table below outlines the short and long term goals to deliver the Program objectives. Annual stakeholder input will contribute to priorities for research, development and extension activities and ensure the program continues to address topical issues of importance for Australian horses. This process may result in changes to the goals outlined below. Table 6.1 Program objectives and goals Goals - short term Goals - long term Objective Priority (next 2 yrs) (next 5 yrs) 1. Reduce impact diseases of horses Investigate options for vaccine Initiate partnerships to develop of diseases & that impact horse development for foal diseases vaccines for foal health parasites health or performance Improvement in prevention & Communicate strategies for foot treatment of laminitis health to industry Improvements in diagnostics & Communicate strategies for more therapeutics used in diseased effective use of diagnostics and horses therapeutics used in priority diseases of horses Improvement in prevention of Communicate strategies for dietary related diseases of prevention of dietary related horses disorders diseases of horses Describe risks, risk Implement activities to address that impact human management options and gaps or constraints to effective risk health constraints or knowledge gaps management parasite resistance Develop diagnostics, treatment Communicate effective strategies & parasite related and preventive strategies for to industry for parasite diagnosis conditions parasites that are cost-effective and control and environmentally friendly 2. Reduce injury & conditions with Improved understanding of Develop and communicate breakdown in serious impacts on factors influencing risk of injury strategies for better training and horses in work horse health or or breakdown injury prevention in athletic horses. performance improved methods Development of simulation Develop and communicate for measurement of models that can represent strategies for better training and forces operating on musculoskeletal structures of injury prevention in athletic horses. musculoskeletal horses and the forces operating structures. on them. 3. Improved conditions that Development of management Communication to industry of breeding have serious and/or treatment strategies strategies designed to improve outcomes and adverse impacts at designed to improve likelihood likelihood of pregnancy following foal health & horse and of pregnancy following breeding, and of delivery of a live, development population levels breeding, and of delivery of a healthy foal in pregnant mares live, healthy foal in pregnant

Goals - short term Goals - long term Objective Priority (next 2 yrs) (next 5 yrs) mares

Understand risk factors Develop improved strategies for influencing occurrence, severity detection, treatment/management and prognosis of priority foal and prevention of priority foal conditions diseases 4. Improve safety priority conditions Improved monitoring of Develop and communicate & welfare & or events that adverse health outcomes in strategies for minimising risks of environmental impact health, horses and humans associated adverse health outcomes sustainability welfare or the with horse events. associated with horse events environment Understanding of factors Develop and communicate influencing horse welfare strategies for improvement of during routine management as horse welfare well as during handling, training or competition Understanding the Develop and communicate environmental impacts strategies for maintaining natural associated with horse activities assets, efficient use of natural and options for minimising or resources and minimising adverse mitigating adverse impacts and environmental impacts associated using resources more with horse activities. efficiently. 5. Education, dissemination and Understand various pathways Develop effective pathways and training and application/uptake and constraints for modalities for communication of communication of R&D outputs communicating RD&E outputs RD&E outputs to industry to industry stakeholders and stakeholders and encouraging opportunities for influencing application/uptake of strategies by industry practices and industry behaviours encourage Understand stakeholder views Develop strategies to promote the involvement of concerning the value of RD&E value of RD&E and opportunities individuals and and opportunities for for involvement of individuals & organisations in involvement of individuals & organisations in RD&E activities RD&E organisations in RD&E activities improve long term Consult with horse industry Develop and implement plans for security of RD&E groups on options for securing securing long term RD&E funding funding for the RD&E funding Horse Program

7. Objectives

Objective 1: Reduce the incidence and impact of diseases and parasites in horses (20-30%)

Background

Infectious and non-infectious diseases and parasites are major causes of wastage and economic loss throughout the industry with impacts ranging from reduced performance to serious illness and mortality. The 2007 equine influenza outbreak provided a graphic example of the severe impact of an exotic disease outbreak with effects being felt right across the industry. Hendra virus cases in Queensland and New South Wales provide an example of an endemic disease with life-threatening impacts on horses and people. Parasite resistance is expected to become an increasing problem over time with increasing potential for adverse health effects on our horses. Laminitis is an example of a common and severe non-infectious disease that has a huge impact on horse health and welfare. RD&E is the foundation on which continued development of effective diagnostic tools, treatments and preventive strategies can be based. Priorities

1. Reduce the impact of diseases that affect horse health or performance.

2. Reduce the impact of diseases of horses that affect human health.

3. Reduce the impact of parasites and parasite resistance on horse health

Goals

• Investigate options for vaccine development for foal diseases and work towards partnerships to develop vaccines to combat foal diseases

• Improvements in methods for prevention and treatment of laminitis

• Improvements in the development and application of diagnostics and therapeutics used in diseased horses

• Improvements in the prevention of dietary-related diseases in horses

• Understand risks to human health from horse-related diseases and investigate options for more effective management of human health risks

• Develop diagnostics, treatment and preventive strategies for parasites that are cost- effective and environmentally friendly

Objective 2: Reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training (20-30%)

Background

Many horses in Australia are actively involved in some level of athletic endeavour including for example polocrosse/polo, dressage, jumping, showing, eventing, reining, cutting, endurance, carriage driving, campdraft, mustering/droving, carrying packsaddles and racing. Horses need to be conformationally sound and able to tolerate training and competing at levels required for effective competition or work-related performance. A large number of factors have the potential to influence the suitability of a horse for a particular purpose and the ability of a horse to train and compete without risk of injury or breakdown. Factors include areas such as genetics, behaviour, nutrition, handling and training, selection and suitability of equipment, racetrack and training surfaces, and the normal and abnormal response of the musculoskeletal system to training and competition. RD&E provides the objective basis for developing a sound understanding of normal and abnormal development of bone, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints in young horses and how these structures respond to stimulus associated with training and competition. These findings can then guide development of strategies designed to encourage effective training for purpose while also allowing early detection of potential problems and minimising risks of serious or catastrophic injury. Priorities

1. Reduce the impact of injuries and breakdowns on horse health or performance.

2. Develop improved methods for measurement of forces operating on musculoskeletal structures in training and competing horses.

Goals

• Improved understanding of factors influencing risk of injury or breakdown and use of this information to inform management of training and competing to minimise injury risk

• Development of methods allowing improved measurement of forces operating on musculoskeletal structures during athletic activity and the response of tissues to athletic activity. Examples may include non-invasive measurement techniques that can be applied in real-world situations and development of computer simulation models.

Objective 3: Improve breeding outcomes and foal development (10-20%)

Background

The horse industry at all levels in Australia is dependent on successful breeding since few animals are imported. Failure of bred mares to deliver a live, healthy foal may be due to fertilisation failure, early embryonic loss, abortion or delivery of a dead or non- viable foal. Young growing foals are susceptible to a range of infectious and non- infectious/developmental conditions that may either prevent them from achieving full potential or result in more severe effects including mortality. RD&E has made contributions to the improvement of fertility in the breeding population and reducing the risks of undesirable outcomes in young growing foals. Priorities

• Improvements in breeding outcomes and foal health and development by addressing conditions that adversely affect these outcomes at the individual horse and population levels.

Goals

• Development of management and/or treatment strategies designed to improve likelihood of pregnancy following breeding, and of delivery of a live, healthy foal in pregnant mares.

• Understand risk factors influencing occurrence, severity and prognosis of priority foal conditions and development of strategies to detection, treatment and prevention of these conditions.

Objective 4: Improve the safety of industry participants and the welfare of horses, and enhance the environmental sustainability of the industry (20- 30%)

Background

Animal welfare continues to be an important issue for the horse industry and effort has been directed in recent years at a range of welfare-related issues across all sectors of the industry. The use of therapeutic and prohibited substances in performance horses continues to be an important issue. Animal welfare is an important component of general horse management including methods of handling, training and impacts of competition. Safety and welfare of humans involved in equine activities is also recognised as important and efforts have been directed at improving the recording and reporting of horse-related injuries of humans in an attempt to contribute to a safer human-horse environment. Sustainability of horse production and management is increasingly important in a time of uncertainty over climate change, increasing population density in an urban-dominated society and availability of suitable land and water for horse production. Environmental sustainability incorporates efforts directed at maintaining natural assets, efficient use of natural resources and minimising or mitigating any adverse effects of horse activities on the environment. RD&E provides important inputs in to future decisions that will help to ensure horses continue to make a sustainable contribution to the socio-economic fabric of Australian society. Priorities

• Develop research led strategies for addressing conditions or events that impact health, welfare or the environment. Goals

• Improved monitoring of adverse health outcomes in horses and humans (particularly riders) associated with horse events and developing strategies to minimise risks of adverse outcomes.

• Understanding of factors influencing horse welfare during routine management as well as during handling, training or competition.

• Understanding the environmental impacts associated with horse activities and options for minimising or mitigating adverse impacts and using natural resources more efficiently.

Objective 5: Promote education and training for the horse industry through opportunities for training researchers and by effective communication of RD&E to horse industry stakeholders (10-20%)

Background

The Horse Program provides professional quality reports of all completed research projects as downloadable electronic files at no cost2 and a print-on-demand service allows individuals to purchase a printed and bound copy of any report for a nominal cost. The RIRDC Equine Research Newsletter is produced three times per year and provided electronically at no cost and as a limited print run for individuals without internet access. The Horse Program also promotes dissemination of horse RD&E through sponsorship of professional conferences, providing speakers and promotional material at horse events and through attendance of industry events such as Equitana. The Horse Program has supported a number of scholarships for post-graduate students to encourage individuals to get involved in horse RD&E and to contribute to the training of future researchers for the long term benefit of the horse industry. Security of funding for horse RD&E in Australia is an increasingly important issue. The loss of a small number of voluntary contributors from the program since 2009 and indications from the RIRDC Board that core RIRDC funds cannot continue to be used to match voluntary contributions to support RD&E for an industry sector as mature as the Australian horse industry, provide renewed impetus to re-visit the implementation of a statutory levy to support horse RD&E. The Committee is committed to working with industry to progress the transition from an RD&E program dependent on voluntary contributions to a statutory levy that will provide long-term security of funding for horse RD&E in Australia. Priorities

1. Support increased dissemination and application and uptake of RD&E outputs. 2. Encourage involvement of individuals and organisations in horse RD&E activities. 3. Improve the long term security of RD&E funding for the horse industry. Goals

• Support increased awareness of RD&E activities amongst horse owners and stakeholders and identify effective pathways and modalities for communication of RD&E outputs to stakeholders and influencing application/uptake of strategies. • Support activities designed to encourage interest and involvement in horse RD&E activities by individuals and groups. • Identify options for securing long term RD&E funding for the horse industry and work towards implementing an industry preferred option.

2 www.rirdc.gov.au

8. Proposed Budget

An indicative budget for the Program is given in Table 8.1. Table 8.1 Proposed Horse RD&E Program budget 2011/12-2015/16

− − 2011/12 − 2012/13 − 2013/14 − 2014/15 − 2015/16 Opening 500 000 400 000 300 000 300 000 300 000 Balance Revenue Commonwealth 200 000 100 000 300 000 300 000 300 000 contributions Industry 300 000 300 000 300 000 300 000 300 000 contributions Total Revenue 500 000 400 000 600 000 600 000 600 000 Expenditure Objective1: 120 000 95 000 120 000 120 000 120 000 Objective2: 120 000 95 000 120 000 120 000 120 000 Objective3: 70 000 57 000 70 000 70 000 70 000 Objective4: 120 000 95 000 120 000 120 000 120 000 Objective5: 70 000 58 000 70 000 70 000 70 000 RD&E Total 500 000 400 000 500 000 500 000 500 000 Committee & 100 000 100 000 100 000 100 000 100 000 Program Administration Total 600 000 500 000 600 000 600 000 600 000 Expenditure Closing Balance 400 000 300 000 300 000 300 000 300 000

The budget estimates presented here are based on an assumption of continued industry support at a rate consistent with the previous several years, and on the knowledge of the progressive withdrawal of matching funds (see next section for details). It is also assumed that from 2013/14 industry contribution will be made via a statutory levy which will be matched by Commonwealth contributions. It is noted that the funding position is uncertain. A change in industry voluntary contributions (increase or decrease) or implementation of an industry supported statutory levy for RD&E may result in either an increase or a reduction in available funds. In the event that any of these situations occur, parties will meet to review the status of the Five- year RD&E plan and its projects and establish the circumstances influencing capacity to meet commitments.

As a result:

• contributions may be reduced pro rata by both parties in the current or future years • some projects may not proceed • new projects may be commissioned. Phasing out of RIRDC Core funds

The RIRDC Board has provided very clear direction to the Horse Committee over the past few years that the Horse Program cannot continue to enjoy dollar-for-dollar matching from core funds and that the optimal approach for the horse industry to secure RD&E funding would be to move from a voluntary funding position to a statutory levy to support RD&E. This direction was accompanied by the following: o In 2008, the Board advised the Horse Committee that from 1 July 2009 matching for the Horse Program would be capped at $300,000 to ensure the Board retained the capacity to direct core funds into other strategic investment areas and to help encourage the horse industry to move to a statutory levy. o In January 2011, the Horse Committee was informed that matching for the Horse Program would be progressively withdrawn down to zero over a three year period: − 2010-2011: matching would be at dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $300,000 and any voluntary contribution beyond $300,000 would not be matched − 2011-2012: matching would be at dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $200,000 and any voluntary contributions beyond $200,000 would not be matched − 2012-2013: matching would be at dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $100,000 and any voluntary contributions beyond $100,000 would not be matched − 2013-2014 and beyond: voluntary contributions for the Horse Program would not attract any matching from RRIDC Core funds. The decision by the RIRDC Board to progressively phase out matching from Core funds, is a strategic decision based on financial constraints and imperatives to invest across a range of potentially competing areas. It is also based on recognition that the horse industry is a large and mature industry (horse industry GVP estimated during recent EADRA discussions at $3 billion per annum) and that a statutory levy mechanism would provide a secure and sustainable source of industry funds that would attract dollar-for- dollar matching from the levies revenue Service up to a maximum of 0.5% of GVP (equivalent to $15 million of levy funds that could be matched with $15 million from government funds). The decision by the RIRDC Board is therefore viewed as an incentive for the horse industry to progress a levy proposal.

9. Communication, Adoption and Commercial Opportunities

Purpose and objectives

The Program will facilitate the communication and adoption of its outputs through objective 5 of this plan: promote education and training for the horse industry through opportunities for training researchers and by effective communication of RD&E to horse industry stakeholders. Target Audience and Communication Tools

The target audiences for program outcomes, and primary communication tools through which they will be reached, are: 1. Horse breeders and owners - RIRDC Equine Research Newsletter, media releases, research reports and industry events such as Equitana 2. Trainers and jockeys - RIRDC Equine Research Newsletter 3. Veterinarians and researchers – research reports and presentations by researchers at conferences 4. Agencies of government – RIRDC media releases and research reports Expected key messages from program outcomes

The key messages from the program outcomes are expected to include:

1. How to reduce the incidence and impact of disease and parasites in horses 2. How to reduce injury and breakdown in horses in work 3. How to improve breeding outcomes and foal health and development 4. How to improve safety and welfare and environmental sustainability Industry networks

To ensure the Program outputs are communicated to industry stakeholders, the Program’s RIRDC Equine Research Newsletter is distributed through a suite of peak industry organisations’ networks. Major industry events

The Program’s outputs will be communicated through a range of industry events, such as the Australasian Equine Science Symposium and Equitana. Key influencers

Leaders within the suite of peak industry organisations will be targeted to assist in adoption of the Program’s outputs.

Key websites

The Program’s RIRDC Equine Research Newsletter is the primary communication tool with which to communicate the key finding within the Program’s project reports. The newsletter and all reports are available on RIRDC’s website. Commercialisation and IP

Research projects and project outputs will be managed consistent with RIRDC’s commercialisation and intellectual property policies.

28 Horse RD&E Plan 2011 – 2016 Pub. No. 11/071

The RIRDC Horse Research, Development and Extension Development and Extension Program. A statutory levy Program is one of RIRDC’s longest running programs. The will place the Program’s funding on a more secure footing Program has provided more than $11 million into over 200 than previously existed, with the Australian Government projects since it began in 1995. matching levies.

The Australian horse industry represents a wide variety of This Plan aims to assist the industry build and develop its activities including primary production as well as sports future. and recreational interests. Many benefits are to be gained in all sectors of the horse industry from high calibre targeted Outputs from this program will contribute to RIRDC’s research. diverse range of over 2,000 research publications. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or During the first part of the life of this Plan stakeholders purchasing online through our website www.rirdc.gov.au. in the horse industry will consider how to develop and Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313. introduce a statutory levy to fund the Horse Research,

Rural Industries Research & Level 2, Development Corporation 15 National Circuit PO Box 4776 BARTON ACT 2600 KINGSTON ACT 2600 Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] rirdc.gov.au Web: www.rirdc.gov.au Bookshop: 1300 634 313

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