Western Cape: Alert for suspected African Horse Sickness
7 April 2006
A suspected case of African Horse Sickness has been found on a farm on the
border of the Robertson/Worcester districts during the last week. Post mortem
findings and preliminary laboratory tests are indicative of the disease.
Further laboratory tests are in progress and results should be available within
a week. If the disease is confirmed this may negatively affected the horse
export status of South Africa
At present, Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of
Agriculture is investigating the circumstances surrounding this case and are
inspecting properties in the area to determine whether any signs of disease in
horses are detected.
As a precautionary measure, no movements of horses from the Worcester and
Robertson districts to the African Horse Sickness surveillance or free areas
will be allowed. In addition, no movements will be allowed within the Worcester
and Robertson districts. This will be applicable until further notice.
Horse owners are advised to have their horses vaccinated against African
Horse Sickness. Horses should be stabled at night as far as possible as the
midges that transmit the disease are active from early evening to early morning
and they do not readily enter buildings. The use of suitable insect repellents,
especially for horses not stabled at night, is strongly recommended.
All suspect cases of the disease in the Western Cape must be reported to the
local state veterinarians.
Enquiries:
Jan Bosman
Tel: (021) 483 4700
Cell: 084 630 6187
Contact persons:
Dr Pieter Koen
Cell: 082 907 2808
Dr Gary Bührmann
Cell: 083 642 0602
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
7 April 2006
