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Due to the dramatic increase in African Horse Sickness (AHS) cases in the AHS infected (endemic) zone of the country over the last several months, many areas have been closed for direct movement into the AHS controlled area of the Western Cape.
All provinces, including Beaufort West in the Western Cape (which is outside the AHS controlled area), have been affected either with total or partial movement restrictions into the AHS controlled area. The situation is being continually assessed and direct movement restrictions into the AHS controlled area either increased or relaxed as appropriate.
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Clients should be prepared for the likelihood that any movement into the AHS controlled area from the AHS infected area (all other provinces and some of the Western Cape) may require movement via a registered stop over quarantine facility. Movement permits for entry into the AHS controlled area can be obtained at move@myhorse.org.za. The list of registered stop over quarantine facilities can also be requested at this address. A reminder that all movements of all equids (horses, donkeys, mules and zebra) into the controlled area require a movement permit even if going via stop over quarantine.
The AHS vaccination period in the AHS controlled area is allowed between 1 June to 31 October of each year, where after no AHS vaccinations may be given. Please remember that vaccination within the AHS surveillance zone may only proceed with permission from the state veterinary services. Permission to vaccinate must be requested from vaccinate@myhorse.org.za and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and it must be done by a registered veterinarian.
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The above requirements as described are applicable by law and legislated under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 84). Your compliance and assistance with the implementation of these control measures is greatly appreciated, as it is to the benefit to the health of the entire equine industry. – Press release, Western Cape Department of Agriculture
