Catholic Bishops express solidarity with those suffering because of the Equine Flu crisis

Australia’s Catholic Bishops today expressed their prayerful solidarity with all people whose livelihoods are suffering so terribly due to the Equine Influenza crisis.

The President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Philip Wilson, said the Bishops were deeply concerned about the ongoing nature of the flu outbreak and its serious effects on the lives of those involved in horse industries.

“The spread of the disease and the ban on moving horses and on thoroughbred racing is taking an enormous toll on workers in these industries and also on many small businesses and individuals in associated industries,” Archbishop Wilson said.

“In many cases, their livelihoods have come to a complete halt, and, due to the nature of such an epidemic, there has been no clear consensus on when things might improve for them.

“We are aware of the serious impact this is having on many thousands of working class Australians and their families, and we wish to express our solidarity with them at this difficult time.”

Archbishop Wilson said the Church, through its social services agencies, stood ready to help anyone suffering hardship due to the Equine Flu crisis. People in need of such help should contact their nearest Centacare office.

“We will continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in the horse industries who are affected by this situation and urge all Australians to also keep them in their thoughts and prayers,” he said.