Eastern Cape hit by African horse sickness
20 March 2008, 18:30
African Horse Sickness (AHS) has broken out in the Eastern Cape, the department of agriculture said on Thursday.
"Most outbreaks are still confined to various areas of the Cacadu District Municipality and an isolated occurrence in the Amathole District Municipality," the department said in a statement.
"Laboratory tests and results have confirmed that we are now dealing with some new strains in the area.
"In order to prevent further spread of the disease, horses have to be issued with an official permit by a State veterinarian or State Veterinary Office, that declares horses safe before being moved into other areas."
The public was asked to adhere to the movement control measures.
According to the website, www.africanhorsesickness.co.za, the symptoms of AHS include: very high fever (up to 41 degrees), difficulty in breathing - with mouth open and head hanging down; frothy discharge may pour from the nose, and a sudden onset of death may also occur.
AHS has a death rate of 90 percent, the website said. - Sapa
"Most outbreaks are still confined to various areas of the Cacadu District Municipality and an isolated occurrence in the Amathole District Municipality," the department said in a statement.
"Laboratory tests and results have confirmed that we are now dealing with some new strains in the area.
"In order to prevent further spread of the disease, horses have to be issued with an official permit by a State veterinarian or State Veterinary Office, that declares horses safe before being moved into other areas."
The public was asked to adhere to the movement control measures.
According to the website, www.africanhorsesickness.co.za, the symptoms of AHS include: very high fever (up to 41 degrees), difficulty in breathing - with mouth open and head hanging down; frothy discharge may pour from the nose, and a sudden onset of death may also occur.
AHS has a death rate of 90 percent, the website said. - Sapa
Pretoria
