Dr Gininda Msiza
Following the announcement of a suspected case of African Horse Sickness in the Paarl area on Friday, 8 April 2016, Dr Gininda Msiza, the Chief Director of Veterinary Services from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, issued the first Public Situation Report confirming the case as African Horse Sickness serotype 1.
“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.
AHS Containment Map
This case has occurred within the 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 allowed without a movement permit from 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 westwards 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 at Gordon’s Bay. The roads that make up the borders of the containment zone are not included in the movement restrictions, and transport of horses along these roads is permitted.
Preventative measures
Owners are urged to take preventative measures
An initial census and surveillance programme 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 their 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 offices can be found on www.elsenburg.com
Permit applications should be made to authorised veterinarian Dr Camilla Weyer at [email protected]
All owners with horses planning to travel to the upcoming sales or competing in shows, from the containment zone should confer with their treating vet and the state vet for movement certificates.
Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available. Queries should be directed to Bev Parker (082 578 7044) or Camilla Weyer (083 710 2408)
