• The $5.4 million Equine Isolation Facility at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga is ready for use

Construction of the $5.4 million Equine Isolation Facility at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga is finished with the facility ready to take high-risk patients.

The new facility was fully funded by Charles Sturt and is located at the Veterinary Clinical Centre of the Faculty of Science.

The facility fulfils many education and clinical needs of the Veterinary Clinical Centre, while also providing an important biosecurity asset to the region.

The first sod was turned in July 2019, and the facility features six independently-operated stables with separate airflow and plumbing, and also a designated treatment and exam room.

Associate Professor in equine medicine and clinical director of Veterinary Enterprises Dr Kris Hughes said the University is now well-placed to offer crucial isolation services for horses suspected of having communicable diseases, to protect both animals and humans.

“It certainly provides a great sense of reassurance that we can offer the greatest level of care and protection to our patients and clients,” he said.

“We work in times where there are risks to human health … and this facility provides a safeguard to the health of all patients in the hospital and the personnel involved in the management of animals in the isolation facility.

“Any animal that has, through a risk assessment, the possibility of having a contagious disease, will be admitted to this facility to allow us to deliver state-of-the-art care and uphold rigorous infection control.”

Executive Director of the Division of Facilities Management Mr Stephen Butt said the completion of the facility fulfils ongoing accreditation requirements of the University, while also providing an asset to be used on a global or national scale.

“It’s an important part of the biosecurity assets of the region,” he said.

“The inclusion of this facility on campus will be a fantastic teaching aid, while ensuring clients receive quality care and treatment.”

Mr Butt said the facility is finished and is transitioning into full operation capacity.