A suspect case of African Horse Sickness (AHS) was detected through clinical surveillance by a private veterinarian in Paarl. Samples collected from the colt that died suddenly tested positive for AHS virus and the virus was subsequently shown to be type 1.

This case has occurred within the African Horse Sickness (AHS) surveillance zone

Movement restrictions are in force within a containment zone surrounding the case. No movement of horses into, out of, through or within the containment zone will be be allowed without a movement permit from the a state veterinarian. The eastern border of the containment zone follows the border of the AHS surveillance zone from Gordon’s Bay along the Limietberg mountain range to Gouda. The boundary of the containment zone then extends westward along the R46 through Hermon, Riebeeck Kasteel and to Malmesbury. The western border of the containment zone follows the N7 until it intersects with the N2. The N2 serves as the southern border of the containment zone until it reaches the eastern border of Gordon’s Bay. The roads that make up die border of the containment zone are not included in the movement restrictions, and transport of horses along these roads is permitted.

African Horse Sickness (AHS) Outbreak containment zone: Western Cape

An initial census and surveillance programme by state officials in the area surrounding the affected property is underway to determine the extent of the outbreak. Horse owners are encouraged  to stable their horses from two hours before sunset to two hours after dawn to decrease the risk of the vector of the disease having contact with horses and to make use of a registered insect repellent on their horses during the vector feeding periods as indicated above.

Any owner within the AHS surveillance zone detecting illness in horses involving unexplained fever, swelling of the head and neck and difficulty breathing should report the case to their local state Veterinarian as quickly as possible. Contact details of regional state veterinary office can be found on www.elsenburg.com.

Permit applications should be made to authorised veterianarian Dr Camilla Wyer at equineresearchcentre@gmail.com.

Issued by:

Dr. Gininda Msiza
Chief Director: Veterinary Services
Department of Agriculture
Provincial Government of the Western Cape