Horse owners are alerted to the fact that a number of African Horse Sickness (AHS) outbreaks have been reported in the Province to date. Most outbreaks are still confined mainly in various areas of the Cacadu District Municipality and an isolated report in Amathole District municipality.

Laboratory tests and results have confirmed that we are now dealing with some new strains in the area namely strains 6, 7 & 9.

In order to prevent further spread of the disease in the Province and to protect the AHS free area in the Western Cape Province, all movements of Horses into, within the Province and to other Provinces will be subject to an official permit issued by a State Veterinarian or State Veterinary Office with immediate effect.

Information about the disease, what to do in case of a suspicious case and current updates are available from your nearest state veterinary Office or your private veterinarian.

The public is requested to adhere to the movement control measures.

Horse owners are urged to ensure that their horses are vaccinated annually as prescribed by the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984 ) and  that all suspected AHS cases are reported to their nearest  State Veterinarian, Animal Health Technician or Private Veterinarian
.