DELAYED START OF AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS VACCINATION PERIOD IN THE CONTROLLED AREA
Due to the still active outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) within the AHS controlled area protection zone, as well as recent confirmed cases of Equine encephalosis virus, another orbivirus similarly transmitted by the Culicoides midge vector, the start of the AHS vaccination period within the AHS controlled area has been delayed.
Vaccination against AHS may therefore not commence within the AHS controlled area on 1 June 2021. This includes the AHS protection zone, surveillance zone and free zone. The situation will be reviewed, and the risk re-assessed on a 2-weekly basis with the new vaccination season start date to be announced as soon as possible.
This decision has not been taken lightly, as we are acutely aware of the logistical difficulties relating to vaccination timing for competition and movement. However, the safety of the AHS controlled area and reducing the risk of introducing the modified live AHS vaccine into an already unstable environment must take precedence.
Please continue to send in applications for permission to vaccinate so that they can be processed timeously once vaccination is permitted. For further information please contact info@saehp.com
Directive from:
Dr Mpho Maja: Director of Animal Health
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
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