The National Horseracing Authority advises that the regulatory body has noted that there is currently a shortage of African horse sickness (AHS) vaccine which is produced by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP).
The OBP vaccine shortage has resulted in industry stakeholders such as vets, trainers, owners, and breeders currently having limited or no access to AHS vaccines.
As per the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947), the OBP African horse sickness vaccine is the ONLY AHS vaccine registered for use in South Africa.
“The use of unregistered products is strongly discouraged, regardless of their claimed properties, as the safety and efficacy of unregistered products have not been assessed in equines by the mandated Registrar of Act 36.” DALRRD
AHS controlled area impact
Regarding horses residing in the AHS controlled area (free zone, surveillance zone and protection zone), the legislated permitted AHS vaccination period of 1 June to 31 October 2021 remains in place unless/until DALRRD rule otherwise.
NHA will re-evaluate NHA rules for horses that reside in the AHS controlled area that may be affected by the current unavailability of the AHS vaccine individually and in consultation with SV Boland.
“It is an offence to vaccinate horses in the AHS controlled area after 31 October 2021, unless a written exemption has been granted to do so by the national Director: Animal Health at DALRRD. Individual written and motivated applications for permission to vaccinate outside of the legal window period may be considered, under appropriate and strict vector protected conditions.” DALRRD
AHS infected zone impact
Whilst vaccinating outside of the AHS controlled area – in the AHS infected zone – is not recommended to be done post 31 October, it is permissible without written exemption from the national Director: Animal Health at DALRRD.
After consultation with industry stakeholders, it has been deemed in this instance that the risk to the population of having a large number of unprotected/poorly protected animals in the AHS endemic areas of the country, especially in areas where AHS outbreaks occur every year, should be mitigated where possible.
As a result, the deadline for vaccinations as per Rule39.1.1 has been extended from 31 October 2021 to 31 December 2021 for all horses that are resident in the AHS endemic/ infected zone.
“equine owners and managers in the AHS infected zone are to consult with their veterinarians regarding vaccination after 31 October 2021. We also urge all responsible persons to consider shielding equines vaccinated after 31 October 2021 from Culicoides midges through the appropriate use of stabling and turn out times, screening over stable openings as applicable, and the responsible use of insecticides and insect repellents registered in terms of the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947).” DALRRD
| AHS Zone | Vaccination |
| AHS Free Zone | No vaccination without written permission from SV Boland.
Permission for vaccination will only be given from 1 June to 31 October each year. Both bottles of vaccine, i.e. bottle I and bottle II, must be administered between 1 June and 31 October. |
| AHS Surveillance Zone | No vaccination without written permission from SV Boland.
Permission for vaccination will only be given from 1 June 31 October each year. Both bottles of vaccine must be administered between 1 June and 31 October. |
| AHS Protection zone | All equines in this area must be vaccinated within the period of 1 June to 31 October each year.
Both bottles of vaccine must be administered between 1 June and 31 October. |
| AHS Infected Zone | Strong recommendation is made to vaccinate during the period from 1 June to 31 October each year. |
Please consult the Veterinary Procedural Notice for African horse sickness control (AHS VPN), Important Information Regarding Vaccination against African Horse Sickness (AHS) In South Africa and the Animal Disease Regulations R2026 of 1986 on the DALRRD website for more information.
