Please note important AHS movement control policy changes
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has issued important changes to the African Horse Sickness (AHS) Control Policy: Movement Control Protocol in order to bring the policy in line with OIE standards.
With reference to vaccination of horses prior to movement of horses into the AHS Controled Area defined in section 3.1 of the protocol: horses moving into the AHS Controlled Area from the AHS infected zone must have been vaccinated within 24 months, but not less than 40 days, prior to movement. (The current 60 days has been reduced to 40 days).
With reference to vaccination of horses prior to movement WITHIN the Controlled Area (from protection zone to surveillance zone, or surveillance zone into free zone): horses may move within 40 days of vaccination from protection zone to surveillance zone, or surveillance zone to free zone during the period June to October only.
Please be advised that although movement restrictions from some areas of the infected area have been lifted from the 1st July, ALL MOVEMENTS into the Controlled Area must still be done by means of an APPLICATION FOR MOVEMENT made to the STATE VET BOLAND PRIOR TO THE INTENDED MOVEMENT DATE. However, it should be noted that a Stop Over Quarantine may be required for high risk areas, areas where poor reporting occurs if the state veterinarian of origin is not satisfied with the risk and where suspect or confirmed AHS cases have been reported.
For this reason application as soon as three weeks prior to movement is suggested. This application is MANDATORY and MUST be done through Ms Danielle Pienaar on email address [email protected] and each application will be reviewed by the MOVEMENT COMMITTEE before being approved or denied.
