AHS breakout in Jozi

Has anybody heard about an AHS breakout in the North of Johannesburg???

If this is true it is absolutely devastating news for our already fragile sport!!

Any news? - All I can find on the internet is the breakout in 2007.

Only found this on google news

www.times.co.sz/News/25126.html

Outbreak in Gauteng and Natal which is usual for this time of year. All transport from these areas to Western Cape stopped.

Thanks Al, would need some keeping an eye on I would assume.

Thanks Newturf. I remember in 2007 was the last bad outbreak and similar protocols put in place. Hope it clears up and doesn't affect anymore animals!

You can follow the details here:
www.africanhorsesickness.co.za/

And
kznhs.co.za/web/attachments/471_AHS%20Ou...0February%202011.doc

Thanks Sugahorse!

No prob - this is something I'm quite keen to keep tabs on - having seen a horse with horse sickness, I know how terrible this is; for all involved (horse, owner...)
And the jeopardy it puts our export protocols in to.

Yip, must imagine the WC being closed up high and tight right now, especially with the recent breakthroughs with the import/export protocols as well as the big race next year?

Well I just hope it is only a season, localized outbreak that can be contained quickly!

The biggest concern is that they say most of the annual cases are reported in the month of March - if Jan and Feb have already caused such a stir, what will March hold?

They will keep the Western Cape tight, else it could jepordise the 2012 Queen's Plate

Hi Dave – trust you are well?



I was told about a thread re AHS outbreak in Joburg with some informed responses, but to summarise main points:

· many parts of South Africa are endemic and we expect cases during high risk season (Jan through April, with peak in March)

· the further south one travels, the less likely there is to be a “natural” outbreak i.e. by natural progression of the virus either by movement of infected horses or midges. Transporting an infected horses from an outbreak to a “clean” area remains the most common cause of the spread of virus.

· the SA export protocol defined a part of South Africa which was the least likely to be infected during the high risk season which we call the AHS Controlled Area in the Western Cape. All movements into this area are controlled and under supervision of the State Vet (the attached document might be of some interest to readers/horse owners)

· movements within the “Infected Zone” do not require permits although decisions should be taken based on controlling the spread of the disease and, therefore, placing at risk areas which are “free” of virus.



As one of the threads suggested, the African horse sickness website carries up to date info regarding latest outbreaks.



Best regards



Peter

CEO

RACING SOUTH AFRICA

Representing the South African Equine Trade Council