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

Published 2024년 3월 4일

Tridge summary

Movement restrictions have been imposed in the Grahamstown state veterinarian area due to an outbreak of African Horse Sickness (AHS). The first fatal case was reported on 21 January at Kowie Veterinary Clinic in Port Alfred, with more cases following. State veterinarian, Dr Gabriel Mutero, has urged horse owners to comply with the Animal Diseases Act, 1984, and to report any suspected cases. He also advised owners to avoid low-lying and marshy areas and to stable animals in insect-proof stables. Annual AHS vaccination is recommended, especially when vector populations are low, from 1 June to 31 October. The vaccine is a modified live virus vaccine made by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP).

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Original content

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 ...

Source: Agriorbit