African Horse Sickness Update | Western Cape Government

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African Horse Sickness Update

5 May 2014

In total there have been a total of 23 affected properties as a result of the African Horse Sickness (AHS) outbreak in 2014 in the Porterville and Wellington region of the Western Cape. In total, 66 confirmed cases have been identified with 10 confirmed deaths as a result of this disease

The current containment zones remain in place: there are suspect clinical cases both in Porterville and near Wellington, which are being followed up on. In the Wellington area there are still only the two confirmed properties

We remind owners that vaccination against AHS in the AHS surveillance zone is only to be performed after the required permissions from State Vet Boland (021 808 5253) have been obtained.

Information regarding the movement of horses can be obtained from the relevant area’s State veterinarian.

It is currently unknown when the containment zone and control measures will be relaxed. Generally, a period of 42 days must occur from the last confirmed case in an area before control measures are lifted.

There are five other areas within the province where AHS cases have also occurred this season: Robertson, Leeu Gamka, Murraysburg, Beaufort West and Uniondale.

Media Enquiries: 

Wouter Kriel
Tel: 021 483 4700
E-mail:  wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za