RSA Export Strategy
1. Regulatory
a. Oie (World Organisationfor Animal Health)
• 154 member countries
• Establish guidelines (Code Chapters by disease) to allow trade in animals and animal products
• AHS Code Chapter revised in 2008
• New proposed amendments to AHS Code Chapter in 2012 include:
• Official recognition of AHS Free Zone
• Reduced period of suspension following outbreak
• Reduced pre-export quarantine in conjunction with RT PCR
b. Protocol
Based on the OIE’s AHS Code Chapter, protocols are negotiated with individual trading partners to incorporate specific requirements like Piroetc.
2. Science
a.RT PCR (developed by Equine Research Centre)
• Existing OIE test is serology based called ELISA. Paired samples 21 days apart which if stable confirm absence of recent
. exposure to virus
• RT PCR detects DNA of AHS virus from blood or tissue samples. Therefore, establishes presence of virus or not which assist
. importing countries
• In final phase of validation for inclusion in the OIE’s Terrestrial Manual
b. Vaccine (developed by Equine Research Centre)
• Inactivated, recombinant technology used in other vaccines around the world
• Serotype 4 trialed successfully last year establishing proof of concept with worldwide patent
• 3 more serotypes being trialed this year
• R30-R40 million required to complete project
• Major benefits:
• Safe to use internationally as “dead” vaccine
• Improved protection
• Easier administration (no cold chain)
2011 AHS Outbreak In Mamre
1.Current Status
• First case reported 28 February
• 66 confirmed deaths
• 81 cases reported
• Last confirmed case 4 May
2.Impact On Exports
• SA Veterinary Services notifies OIE and EU and temporarily suspends exports
• OIE rescinds South Africa’s “Free” status (for 1 year)
• EU suspend exports from South Africa (for 2 years)
3.Short Term Strategy
• Support State Vet initiatives to limit extent of outbreak via vaccination, movement controls, blood sampling, surveillance etc
• Present final outbreak report to OIE and other trading partners
• Apply for limited number of shipments during the vector-safe (winter) period to relieve pressure on high value,
. t’bredsexports
• Target UAE, Qatar, Singapore and Hong Kong.
• Host international veterinary delegations
