The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) held a strategic meeting on Friday between their respective executive management teams to discuss the availability and distribution of the African Horse Sickness (AHS) vaccine for the 2025 season.
It is reported that OBP has confirmed sufficient stock to meet national demand.
The collaboration was productive and reaffirmed both organisations’ commitment to protecting the national horse population through efficient vaccine rollout and public awareness.
Large volumes of AHS vaccine are already available at major veterinary wholesalers and are ready for immediate purchase.
OBP also has additional doses in reserve, with production forecasts targeting between 80,000 and 90,000 doses this season. Stakeholders are encouraged to secure vaccine supplies early.
This serves as an official reminder that the AHS vaccination window period commences on Sunday, 1 June 2025.
According to the Rules of the NHA, all horses, except those residents in the AHS surveillance and free zones, be vaccinated against African Horse Sickness by a Veterinarian, using a registered, non-expired, polyvalent horse sickness vaccine according to the manufacturers’ recommendations, every year between 1 June and 31 October.
Stakeholders are strongly urged to prioritise high-risk horses.
Horses under the age of three years, or those with fewer than three prior vaccinations, should be vaccinated without delay due to their increased susceptibility.
Horses based in the AHS controlled area that are expected to travel and have not been vaccinated within the last 24 months, must also be prioritised.
No horse resident in the AHS surveillance and free zones should be vaccinated against AHS without official permission from the State Vet: Boland.
Vaccination must be completed by 31 October 2025. Given OBP’s confirmed vaccine availability, no extensions of the vaccination window will be granted for horses in the AHS infected zone this year.
Freeze-Dryers Status
OBP has also made major strides in enhancing its vaccine production capacity. Two new freeze-dryers have been acquired – one is already installed and operational, while the second is expected to be commissioned within the next two weeks.
The first commercial batch from these freeze driers is anticipated by November/December 2025.
From there, OBP plans to implement an 18-month production cycle designed to supply enough vaccine to meet national demand for two consecutive years.
Any queries regarding vaccination requirements or your horse’s vaccination status should be directed to your private veterinarian or to the NHA Veterinary Department.
- Media release by the NHA on Friday, 30 May 2025.
