AHS

The Chief Director of Veterinary Services in the Western Cape, Dr. G. Msiza has announced that restrictions have been placed on all direct horse movements to the Western Cape African Horse Sickness (AHS) Control Area from all other provinces, with immediate effect.



These restrictions have been instituted due to the increasing number of reported and suspicious cases of AHS in the rest of South Africa. Thus far this season we have already had 34 confirmed/suspect cases of which 22 have died. Due to persistent high rainfall in the rest of the country the numbers of cases has increased dramatically and are also occurring earlier than in previous years.



Horse owners are thus strongly discouraged from attempting to move horses from anywhere in the Infected Zone into the Western Cape African Horse Sickness Controlled Area as the risk of transmitting the disease is increasing daily. An outbreak in the AHS Controlled Area can potentially result in the death of many local horses as well as place our export status in jeopardy again, possibly leading to a further 2 year ban by the European Union and causing major financial and horse losses to the equine industry as a whole.



This notice is issued in accordance with the Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984, Section 20 (c) (ii) and Section 26 (1) (a) and (b).



The Western Cape Government erected African Horse Sickness signage boards on all major access routes into the Western Cape Province, reminding road users they are entering an African Horse Sickness Free Area. The Provincial Traffic Authorities are working together with Department of Agriculture officials in monitoring the movement of horses into the Western Cape.



Your co-operation in assisting us to implement the movements controls as mentioned below, and thus potentially to prevent an outbreak of AHS in the Western Cape AHS Controlled Area is greatly appreciated.

The one in Shongweni is still to be confirmed as AHS, but it was at the Durban Shongweni club. These horses are still vaccinated annually with a strict record

Clanners can someone pls explain to me the following few questions ?
Can AHS be carried over from one horse to another ?
If not what is the point of travelling restrictions ?
Is it not like malaria and if so is the mosquito the problem not the sick person ? ( refering to the carrier of AHS: The fly/bug?)
How are you going to stop the "fly" from getting into the Free Zone by resticting a horses movement ?
Surely more should be done to eradicate this fly carring AHS ?
Are all the farms/breeders/private riding schools etc checked like the trainers are (vacinations and records of such)?

Sorry guys but this whole situation doesnt make any sense to me. Arent we being our own worst enemies by enforcing these restrictions and telling the world about it ? Sounds like a futile efford if the carrier is the problem not the horse !

Neigh, the sickening thing about AHS is that the CURRENT vaccine is a live vaccine, which has side effects. It only covers 2 or 3 of the 11 strains per year.This vaccine was first formulated in the 1950's...... its outdated.
There is a NEW dead vaccine available, with no side effects, which covers all 11 strains. But..... as it was not formulated and produced by a certain big headed vet, with no shares in the company, we now suddenly need a whopping R60M to trial it first......or it wont be looked at - an absolute travesty, when egos are bigger than the game !

The new vaccine would be foolproof and then no restrictions can apply. The international racing world would have to accept it. And it has been around for a few years now...no trials yet....

You cannot compete in show jumping, dressage.... You require an up to date passport, showing all vaccinations. These have to be done by a vet.
You are correct that AHS cannot be directly transmitted from one horse to another, but needs to be carried by a midge. I do agree that it is very difficult to control the movement of the midges, but this is ultimately what should be done.
The problem is further amplified in that zebra's can be carriers and show no symptoms. The movement of them should be carefully monitored too.

Hi Bob

If you wanted the full blown story on AHS and exports, you can use the document below which covers many of the questions raised by your members.



Regarding the current outbreak experienced upcountry, it is firstly a normal occurrence and secondly, the State Vet is correct to place an embargo on movements into the AHS Controlled Area in the Western Cape.



Regarding the status of exports, we are currently suspended due to the 2011/13 outbreak and the fact that South Africa failed the EU audit which took place last year. South Africa (DAFF) has to address a number of issues surrounding compliance if we are to regain our status – the same applies to other agricultural exports although the recent partial lifting of the ban on red meat exports by the OIE is welcome news.



An announcement will be made shortly regarding the hosting of an export strategy workshop on 16 April.



If the document does not cover ALL questions, let me know!



Best wishes



Peter



BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON AHS and HORSE EXPORTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

1. SOUTH AFRICAN HORSE DATA

a. Population

• 300 000

• 50% informal sector/rural

• 1000kms) and geographical barriers (mountain range + Atlantic and Indian Oceans)



3. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT – HOW THE WORLD WORKS!

a. Government to Government

Whilst the private sector drives many processes, ultimately trade negotiations take place between Governments.



b. OIE (World Organisation For Animal Health)

• Intergovernmental organisation established in 1924

• Currently 178 members (South Africa represented by Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - DAFF)

• Mandated by WTO

• Objective: to safeguard world trade by publishing health standards (guidelines) for international trade in animals and animal products

• AHS is one of 11 equine diseases listed by OIE as dangerous

• Last revision in May 2012



c. Protocol

• Based on OIE guidelines

• Specific import conditions agreed by trading partners

• Import conditions written into Health Certificate



4. DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH AFRICAN HORSE EXPORT PROTOCOL

a. 97/10/EC

• Based on principles written into 1990 version of OIE AHS Code Chapter

• Regionalisation: Western Cape declared as AHS Controlled Area which is made up of Free Zone, Surveillance Zone (50km radius from Free Zone) and Protection Zone (100km radius from Surveillance Zone)

• Ratified by European Commission in 1997



b. Conditions for export from AHS Free Zone

• AHS Controlled Area declared free of AHS

• 60 days residency in AHS Free Zone

• Last 40 days in vector-protected pre-export quarantine

• Exercise during vector-safe time of day (2hrs after sunrise to 2hrs before sunset)

• Testing



c. Consequence of outbreak of AHS in AHS Controlled Area

• If outbreak occurred within 150kms of quarantine station, loss of AHS Free Status and State Veterinary officer unable to certify export

• Period of suspension: 24 months



5. TIMELINE OF HORSE EXPORTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Close to 1000 horses have been exported from Kenilworth Quarantine Station since 1997. The following is a brief history of the delivery of South African horses to EU, HK, Singapore and UAE:

• Pre-1950’s over 350 000 horses exported from South Africa in support of WWI/II

• In 1958 the outbreak of AHS in Middle East led to embargo on horse exports from Africa which was deemed to be infected with the virus. The exception was USA which accepted horses into a vector-protected quarantine facility in New York for 60 days post arrival.

• In January 1997 the EU ratified the South African export protocol which permitted the import of horses from South Africa's AHS Controlled Area (part of which is the AHS Free Zone) in the Western Cape.

• In April 1997, the HK Government adopted the protocol which allowed London News direct entry to HK to compete in the Gr.2 QEII Stakes and win.

• In 1999, an outbreak of AHS occurred in Stellenbosch (in the AHS Controlled Area). This automatically led to a two year suspension of imports from South Africa by the EU and other trading partners.

• In 2001, the EU and other trading partners lifted the suspension and direct imports from Cape Town resumed.

• In 2003, the UAE adopted the protocol which allowed direct exports from Cape Town to Dubai. 100 horses (3 shipments) were exported on this basis.

• In February 2004, the second outbreak of AHS occurred in Stellenbosch which resulted in another two year suspension.

• In April 2006, an international workshop was hosted by South Africa which included representatives from EU, HK and UAE. Both UAE and HK suggested the development of a new diagnostic test would assist with future protocols.

• In October 2006, the EU lifted the suspension and direct imports to the EU resumed. However, in contrast to the decision by the HK Government to accept direct imports in 1997 and 2001, and the UAE in 2003, this time they insisted on South African horses spending an additional 30 days in Europe pre-entry to HK and UAE respectively. At the time, it was suggested that there was too much risk to the Olympic Games (which South Africa accepted) and the Dubai International Racing Carnival was too valuable.

• In February 2011, the Mamre outbreak led to the temporary suspension of exports to the EU and other trading partners

• On 3 May 2011, last case of AHS reported to SA Veterinary Services

• In June 2011, the SA Veterinary Services declared the outbreak over and applied to UAE, Singapore and Malaysia for direct shipments from AHS Infected Country. Not accepted.

• In May 2012, the OIE adopts revisions to AHS Code (see 6.a.)

• In May 2013, EU’s Food & Veterinary Office audits South Africa’s AHS Controls and pre-export quarantine – prevailing concerns within DAFF and AHS Controls need to be addressed by Government – AHS is a number of diseases impacted by similar concerns of the EU – the recent partial lifting of the ban on red meat exports is good news.

• In May 2013, SA Veterinary Services declares outbreak of AHS following a number of positive cases (1 death by euthanasia) found in Melkbos, probably as a result of vaccine virus.



6. SOUTH AFRICAN HORSE EXPORT STRATEGY – 3 parts: a. REGULATORY b. SCIENCE c. SUPPORT of DAFF

a. Regulatory

Given that countries wishing to trade in animals and animal products are increasingly bound by the OIE, the proposed changes to the AHS Code will fundamentally change the way in which South Africa is able to negotiate protocols with its trading partners. The new AHS Code was adopted at the 2012 OIE General Assembly and includes the following changes:

• Official OIE recognition of AHS

• South Africa to define own control measures

• Pre-export quarantine to be significantly reduced with agent identification testing (RT PCR)

• If, in the case of an outbreak, a containment zone is accepted by the OIE, it will be possible to resume exporting 80 days after the last case of AHS is confirmed.



b. Science

• AHS RT-qPCR

The validation by the OIE of the RT PCR is expected to provide the safety mechanism that importing countries have been seeking to allow direct imports to be reinstated. Secondly, used in conjunction with the proposed changes to the OIE AHS Code, the pre-export quarantine period could be reduced to as little as 14 days.



• AHS Recombinant Vaccine

In respect of benefits, it firstly improves the protection of horses locally as it offers better protection against all 9 serotypes and is easier to administer as it is inactivated.



In respect of negotiating protocols and the resultant impact on trade, the ultimate benefit of the new vaccine is that it provides additional safety for importing countries should they incur an outbreak of AHS. Given the ability to differentiate between vaccine and field virus, the recombinant vaccine (DIVA) also assists in being able to declare freedom following an outbreak – a recent example was the Australian outbreak of Equine Influenza which was declared over after a year.



In collaboration with a major international pharmaceutical company, Equine Research Centre has developed a recombinant vaccine with good results, achieving proof of concept and an international patent. However, due to the fact that the market for AHS vaccine is currently extremely small (around 300 000 doses per annum), there is little commercial incentive for the pharmaceutical company to invest further and the balance of the funding required (close to R100m) will need to be found externally.



c. Support for SA Veterinary Services

• Import Export Working Group

The Import Export Working Group was formed in response to the de-registration of the SA Horse Import & Export Council. It provides veterinary and scientific support to the South African Veterinary Services and assists Government to improve the South African Export Protocol. The broader aim is to develop a sustainable delivery system for the movement of horses in and out of South Africa. The working group meets on a monthly basis and is Chaired by Racing SA’s veterinary liaison officer, Dr Beverley Zietsman.

• AHS Control Manager

In conjunction with Veterinary Services Western Cape, a new industry sponsored appointment has been made to co-ordinate the export related initiatives including: surveillance system, census, movement controls etc

• Animal Health Forum

The Animal Health Forum (AHF) was created from all spheres of the Animal Health and Production Industry representative bodies currently in existence in South Africa.

The purpose of the establishment of this forum is to assist Government to seek solutions to disease control and surveillance problems currently being faced by the State Veterinary Services and to submit a report with recommendations to address the situation. Racing South Africa represents the greater equestrian industry and Dr Beverley Zietsman is our representative.

• Build Laboratory Capacity

Disease surveillance and export certification is dependent on laboratory testing and accreditation. Utilizing existing laboratory infrastructures both in the private and state sectors, the aim is to improve capacity and reliability of as many components of the export procedure as possible which ultimately reduces risk.

d. AHS Controlled Area

• Signage

Erection of signage on 4 major routes at boundary of AHS Controlled Area.

• Census

Register all equines and equine holdings in the Free and Surveillance Zones, micro-chip and ID horses with strategic surveillance testing.

• Intensification of protection of AHS Controlled Area

In conjunction with relevant authorities, the aim would be to improve control of horse movements into the AHS Controlled Area and to prevent the introduction of AHSV.

• Development of online Movement Permit system

Transfer control to Western Cape Veterinary Authority and to issue permits electronically.



CONCLUSION

South Africa has maintained a totally transparent and responsible approach in respect of reporting and managing outbreaks of AHS in the AHS Controlled Area. The following should be noted:

• South Africa has never exported AHS to other parts of the world

• There has never been an outbreak of AHS in the AHS Free Zone

• In southern Africa, AHS is seasonal and during the period of low vector activity (winter), the threat of infection disappears until the start of the new high risk season (summer months). Therefore, the risk of introducing AHS to importing countries is the same as when the AHS Controlled Area is deemed free

• Whilst the AHS Virus is clearly dangerous, South Africa’s AHS Controls and pre-export quarantine has proven to be completely safe

The above reply was from Peter Gibson of racing South Africa

Thanks Hibs very informative. My question still hasnt been answered. If AHS is not transmitted between horses how does this affect the transport/export of horses. The midge (Wiese) is not being transported/exported ! If a horse has AHS he is no threat to other horses or is he ?
I can understand these protocols for the reason of trying to limit the midge (Wiese) from spreading but not for horses. Am I missing something here ? Mitch is a good mate of mine before anybody says anything !! Hehe
Thanks Peter

neigh Wrote:

---

> Thanks Hibs very informative. My question still
> hasnt been answered. If AHS is not transmitted
> between horses how does this affect the
> transport/export of horses. The midge (Wiese) is
> not being transported/exported ! If a horse has
> AHS he is no threat to other horses or is he ?
> I can understand these protocols for the reason of
> trying to limit the midge (Wiese) from spreading
> but not for horses. Am I missing something here ?
> Mitch is a good mate of mine before anybody says
> anything !! Hehe
> Thanks Peter


I would like to know how many cases of AHS have been reported in Mauritius who basically race with 95% South African stock(I really don't know the answer)

Further to the discussion and in response to Neigh’s question about the midge -

The OIE permits the importation of horses from a country or zone that is FREE or INFECTED

· If from a FREE country or zone, the exporting country needs to provide proof of absence of circulating virus (either in the vector/midge or horse population) – this is done by a scientifically validated surveillance programme (sample collections from midges and horses for testing)

· If from an INFECTED country or zone, the horses have to be locked up continuously during pre-export quarantine in a vector-proof facility – the exporting country is, therefore, verifying that the horses have never been exposed to the midge population that exists outside of the venue from the start of quarantine until delivery in the country of destination

Assuming we can comply with the above conditions, either system requires the willingness of importing countries/Governments to accept them – this is where demand for our product and lobbying play a huge role

Regarding the EU, the following will provide more information about the way in which they work:

According to EU law, equidae may only be imported from a third country or zone that is free of AHS. Although the outbreak in Mamre in 2011 occurred in the AHS surveillance zone and not in the AHS free area, the EU definition of an infected area includes a protection zone of at least 100km and a surveillance zone of at least 50km. South Africa will only be eligible to apply for reinstatement of the protocol that permits the export of horses to the EU, once “there has been no clinical, serological (in unvaccinated equidae) or epidemiological evidence of African horse sickness on the territory concerned in the previous two years ..” (2009/156/EC; Chapter 1, Article 2(f))

The two year period differs from the current OIE code chapter on AHS where countries or zones may be considered free from AHSV if “a surveillance programme has demonstrated no evidence of AHSV in the country or zone for at least 12 months and includes a complete season of vector activity;” ( OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Chapter 12.1, Article 12.1.2. 1.c) ).

Outbreaks of AHS on the Iberian peninsula and in Morocco from 1987-1990, and in the AHS Controlled Area in South Africa in 1999; 2004 and 2006, have shown that if infection does not occur in the same area during the next season of vector activity, it does not recur as part of the same outbreak 2 years later. (According to EU law, should a member state become infected with AHS, they would be allowed to dispatch equidae “during certain periods of the year, having regard to the activity of vector insects,” with a minimum of 40 days vector protected quarantine and testing.)

Thanks Peter and Hibs. We are bound by "their" protocols and in so doing we restict movement of horses in and out of the zones when problems arise. This ensures a free zone of horses with possible AHS infection, but does not stop the midge from flying there. Only climate does that for us naturally. Is my reasoning correct ?
See we need the Cape !!
Most interesting thanks.

Some very clever lady explained to me in laymans terms the answer to my questions. Tinnng the light went on !! (shame)
Here goes: An AHS infected horse comes into the zoned area and is bitten by our local non-carrier midge's (midges are in the zone but dont carry the AHS virus) and then bites a horse here and in so doing then passes on the AHS virus. Therefore the restrictions have to be enforced on travelling into the zone. It is believed zebra's carry the AHS virus in the winter months when the midge is not around and then the whole cycle starts again when the midge appears in the summer.
Im the wiser for asking all these questions. Thanks !!