outbreaks of African Horse Sickness (AHS) throughout the rest of South
Africa
30 March 2009
The Chief Directorate of Veterinary Services in the Western Cape has
announced that a restriction will be placed on all horse movements to the
Western Cape AHS control area from all other provinces, with immediate
effect.
These restrictions have been instituted due to the increasing number of
reported and suspicious cases of AHS in the rest of South Africa. Horse owners
are thus strongly discouraged from attempting to move horses from anywhere in
the infected zone into the Western Cape control area as the risk of
transmitting the disease is increasing daily. An outbreak in the AHS control
area can potentially result in the death of many horses as well as place our
export status in jeopardy, possibly leading to a two year ban by the European
Union (EU) and causing major financial and physical losses to the equine
industry as a whole.
Consequently horses may no longer move directly into the Western Cape AHS
control zones from anywhere in the infected zone, but will have to stop over
for three weeks in Beaufort West under the supervision of the State
Veterinarian there. All such movements and stop overs must be coordinated with
him. The local state veterinarian at origin of the horse must also give
approval before the horse can move. Horses must still comply with the AHS
protocol for movements prior to leaving any such restricted areas.
Western Cape veterinary officials warns that this is the highest risk period
in the year for AHS and horse owners in close proximity to outbreaks throughout
the country are strongly advised to:
* stable their horses overnight or move to high lying areas if possible, from
two hours before sunset until two hours after sunrise while the midges are
active
* ensure all horses are correctly vaccinated, especially if they are in high
risk areas and not stabled
* ensure horses are also treated with insect repellents daily
* obtain permission for all movements from their local state and private
veterinarians, and to ensure that the movement is approved by the State
Veterinarian Boland if it is into the Western Cape
* not move horses into the Western Cape AHS control area unless it is
absolutely essential and has been arranged in advance with the State
Veterinarian, Boland
* contact Dr Pienaar (Tel: 023 414 2154) to organise a compulsory three weeks
stopover in Beaufort West if the movement is unavoidable.
Your co-operation in assisting us to implement these movements controls and
thus potentially to prevent an outbreak of AHS in the Western Cape control area
is greatly appreciated.
Enquiries can be directed to the State Veterinarian Boland:
Tel: 021 808 5026 / 5253
Fax: 021 808 5125
Media enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Cell: 084 604 6701
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
30 March 2009
