Weathering the storm: The African Horse Sickness virus outbreak was confirmed in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Due to the African Horse Sickness (AHS) outbreak in the Eastern Cape, movement restrictions have been imposed in the Grahamstown state veterinarian area. After consulting with nearby state veterinarians, it was agreed that no horses or donkeys should be transported in or out of the Kleinemonde, Port Alfred, Bathurst, Alexandria, Seven Fountains, Grahamstown and surrounding areas at this time. Dr Gabriel Mutero, the state veterinarian in Grahamstown, said some horse owners do not report possible AHS cases and mortalities, which prompted a strict warning to halt any horse travel and show participation. He urged everyone who deals with equines to familiarize themselves with the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984), and warned that non-compliance could lead to legal action. It is a horse owner's responsibility to: "We care for your equines and we want to limit the spread to more animals," said Dr Mutero. "We are therefore putting down strict rules at this point in order to ...