NSW free of EI, but not of Travelling Horse Statements 

The state may have been declared free of Equine Influenza (EI), but NSW DPI announced on Monday that Travelling Horse Statements (THS) and event registrations will continue to be compulsory in NSW as a precautionary measure.

“We are extremely confident the EI virus has burnt out in NSW, but just in case an undetected pocket of disease has evaded our widespread search, we need to ensure horse movements can be traced,” said NSW deputy chief veterinary officer, Ian Roth.

No approval will be needed, he assures horse owners, but prior notice of movements and events will still need to be given.

“A THS must be carried on the journey when moving horses by vehicle or traveling to a horse event. This requirement will continue at least until the end of June,” Mr Roth said.

“The NSW Department of Primary Industries has stepped up the monitoring of events to ensure compliance with these requirements. NSW Police will also continue stopping vehicles moving and checking for a THS.”

To lodge a THS or for event registration, visit the DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza or call 1800 675 888.

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Convenience foods

 

Trends seen in the human food market appear to be reflected in the pet food market. According to Simmons Market Research Bureau, just under two-thirds of American adults are attempting to eat healthier more convenient foods, and the trend remains remarkably similar in survey responses from dog and cat owners.

 

Packaged Facts’ February 2007 report, Pet Food Packaging and Convenience Trends, notes a number of factors influencing consumers’ need for convenient and portable products, which include:

 

·      * Increasing time constraints among pet owners;

·      * A tendency to seek out human-style pet products;

·      * The aging pet population (which increases the need for          healthier products); and

       * The high level of new product development.

 

Pet food companies are starting to make major changes to their products in order to accommodate to these market trends. Mars, for example, has developed what they call a ‘third feeding method’, which eliminates the need to serve pet food in a bowl, saving pet owners the time-consuming task of washing and storing dirty pet food dishes. WholeMeals are chewy on the outside and contain meat on the inside, which the company claim engages the dog’s instincts to hold its food in its paws. Mars promotes the product as being %100 balanced, offering oral care benefits, which fulfills the consumer’s demand for healthy, portable, and convenient foods for their pet.

 

Table 1: US attitudes—healthy foods and time constraints

 

Looking at the total US population of 215.1 million adults vs. US pet owners, a 2007 survey asked if respondents agreed with the following statements. Source: Simmons Market Research Bureau, Spring 2007 Study of Media and Markets; compiled by Packaged Facts.

 

% of US adults                                             All US adults            Cat or Dog

owners 

 

Try to eat healthier foods these days              64.9%                          64.0%

Like trend toward healthier fast food               51.3%                          52.2%

Don’t have time to prepare/eat healthy meal   33.3%                          35.4%

Fast food fits my busy lifestyle                       21.9%                          23.0%

Often eat store-made, pre-cooked meals        20.7%                          21.2%

Rarely sit down for a meal together at home    20.5%                          20.9%

 

 

Source: UKPets, Petfood Industry and Packaged Facts, March 2008

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BAY FISH & AQUATOPIA OPEN DAY

Bay Fish and Aquatopia Australia are inviting you to their Open Day, held on Friday the 28th of March. The event will include refreshments, product seminars, specials, entertainment, and a chance to meet the staff. 

Bay Fish and Aquatopia Open Day Invitation.PDF