South African Horse Export
South Africa is now entering the low risk period for African Horse Sickness
9th May 2012
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South Africa is now entering the low risk period for African Horse Sickness
No outbreaks overseas have ever been linked to the export of horses from South Africa
South Africa finds itself in a state of nervous optimism as new veterinary regulations are being considered by the OIE, and a new diagnostic test for AHS which gives a “yes or no” answer in a couple of hours, is in the final stages of development
Mike de Kock unhappy about a State Veterinarian ruling that requires Igugu to stay under vector protection at Kenilworth Quarantine Station for the J&B Met.
Background information on horse exports from South Africa
Death of a horse at the North Rand Veterinary Hospital – 30km radius quarantine has been put in place around this area.
Much progress has been made in amending the AHS Code to more correctly address the risk posed by AHS to importing countries. Far-reaching changes are likely to be adopted at the 2012 OIE General Assembly.
Confusion appears to surround the onward travel of horses to the EU from Mauritius
The Department of Veterinary Services Western Cape and the Equine Research Centre will continue to manage the present outbreak of AHS that occurred in Mamre in the Surveillance Zone, approximately 60kms from Kenilworth Quarantine Station.
A suspect outbreak of African Horse Sickness is being investigated in the Mamre area of the Western Cape following the death of several horses. The magisterial district of Malmesbury has been placed under an immediate movement ban for all equines (horses, donkeys, mules and zebra).
Due to suspected AHS outbreaks reported to date (2 February 2011), specific areas have now been closed down for horse movement directly into the AHS Controlled Area of the Western Cape (see page 2 & 3 for full report from the AHS Trust).
Charl Pretorius writes in his Off The Record column on the 4Racing website that owners, trainers and racing fans are gravely concerned about the state of our industry
There has been a precipitous decline of betting on the Totalisator which gives cause for concern for the horseracing industry
