National picture of current AHS outbreak
After two cases of African Horse Sickness were confirmed in the Porterville / Saron area on 9 March 2014 (identified as Serotype 1), the Western Cape State veterinary services imposed a containment zone and movement restrictions. The containment zone includes Gouda, Saron, Porterville and up to Piketberg and the Piekeniers Pass in the north of the zone. It is currently unknown when the containment zone and control measures will be relaxed. Information regarding the containment zone’s boundaries and control measures is available on the Elsenburg website.
There are now five properties in the Porterville / Saron area and a total of 23 confirmed cases within the containment zone. On one of those properties, a horse was euthanized after exhibiting clinical signs of suspected AHS, but sample results are still pending.
Although there have been reports of suspected AHS on three properties outside of the Protection Zone, clinical samples have tested negative and to date, all confirmed cases of AHS have occurred within the Protection Zone.
To date, all confirmed cases have proved mild in comparison to previous outbreaks and there has been only a single confirmed death as a result of the AHS virus. Unfortunately the source of the outbreak remains unknown.
The spread of African Horse Sickness
State officials are conducting a census and clinical surveillance programme in the containment zone, which is currently 80% complete. As part of this initiative, officials are educating and informing the public about the current state of the outbreak and explaining the containment zone and movement restrictions. Officials are visiting all owners and / or consulting vets who have reported suspected cases of AHS and samples are being collected for testing. All authorities are working together to identify and isolate reported cases as fast as possible. Bi-weekly operations meetings are being held with state and industry officials regarding the outbreak and reports will be communicated as often as possible.
Anyone seeking further information or needing to report a suspected case is asked to contact Camilla Weyer on 083 710 2408
083 710 2408 or by email on [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact your local vet. Updates are also being posted on the Elsenburg website and regular updates are posted on the Equine Research Centre Facebook page.
