**PRESS RELEASE**
For an update on South Africa’s horse export strategy, tune in to TellyTrack (DSTV 239) at 19h00 on Sunday 11 November to watch the “Lifeblood Of Racing” – host Andrew Bon interviews Racing South Africa, CEO, Peter Gibson.
Following changes to the World Organisation For Animal Health (OIE) AHS Code which were adopted at the 2012 OIE General Assembly in late May, the thrust of South Africa’s drive to internationalize its equestrian industry is summarized as follows:
1. Application for official OIE recognition of South Africa’s AHS Free Area
a. Preparation of dossier
b. Census of all horses in AHS Free and Surveillance Zones
c. Expanded surveillance system in AHS Free and Surveillance Zones
d. Establish laboratory support in Western Cape
2. Measures to reduce the risk of AHS Virus into AHS Controlled Area
a. Development of electronic movement control system
b. Policing of horse movements into AHS Controlled Area in conjunction with the Western Cape Departments of Transport and Agriculture
c. AHS vaccination campaign to increase herd immunity amongst indigent population horses bordering the AHS Controlled Area
3. Measure to prevent transmission of AHS Virus following an outbreak in the AHS Controlled Area
a. Emergency response team and provision of support services to limit the extent of the outbreak
b. Establishment of vaccine bank
4. Evidence to prove ability of South Africa to maintain AHS Free status
a. Support of SA Veterinary Services via horseracing industry sponsored appointments (Veterinary Liaison Officer and AHS Control Manager + general support via Import Export Working Group)
b. Restructuring of Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science and the upgrading of facilities including laboratory accreditation
From a science perspective, using the latest technology diagnostic test for AHS, the RT PCR has been finalized and the paper has been submitted for external review – their verdict is expected anytime now which will lead to the next phase of validation. Progress continues to be made on the development of the new recombinant vaccine for AHS, however, significant funding is required to fully commercialize the product.
From a trade perspective, following high level meetings with our major trading partners in the last 12 months, with the exception of Qatar (discussions pending), it appears that they have all elected to align themselves with the EU whose current legislation dictates a 24 month suspension following the February 2011 outbreak of AHS in the AHS Surveillance Zone.
Assuming South Africa does not suffer another outbreak in the AHS Controlled Area during the next high risk season, the 24 month period of suspension will be over on 3 May 2013. Procedurally, the EU is expected to send an inspection team to South Africa before hopefully presenting a recommendation to their Parliament to lift the embargo.
In support of the official vehicle, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), there is a team of highly capable and committed people driving this process and I thank “Team SAF” for their tireless efforts on behalf of the equestrian industry:
State Veterinary personnel: Dr’s Modisane, Maja, Gerstenberg, Schoeman, Panne-Reeves, Buhrmann and Grewer
Prof Alan Guthrie – Director Equine Research Centre and staff
Dr Bev Zietsman – Veterinary Liaison Officer for Racing South Africa
Dr Camillia Weyer – PHD Equine Research Centre/AHS Control Manager
Dr Bennie van der Merwe – Consultant Veterinarian
Dr Josef Boening – Consultant Veterinarian
Mr Douglas Welsh – Chairman AHS Trust
Mrs Danielle Pienaar – Census co-ordinator
With best regards
Peter Gibson
CEO
RACING SOUTH AFRICA
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