African horse sickness confirmed in Western Cape’s Cederberg region

Horse owners in the Western Cape are being urged to take note after South African authorities confirmed an African Horse Sickness case in the Cederberg region.

The Department of Agriculture announced that laboratory testing had detected the virus in a horse on a property within South Africa’s designated Horse Sickness Zone.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp confirmed that the results were verified by the University of Pretoria. Officials are now investigating the case to establish whether there is any risk of further transmission.

For now, there is no evidence that the disease has spread beyond the affected property, according to the minister. However, authorities have introduced precautionary measures while they assess the situation.

The issuing of movement permits for horses leaving the immediate area has been suspended until further notice. The restriction is intended to limit the risk of the virus spreading while investigations continue.

African Horse Sickness is a serious viral disease affecting horses and other equids. The latest confirmation is therefore an important development for horse owners and those involved in the equestrian community across the region.

The Department has not indicated that there is widespread transmission in the Cederberg, but the temporary movement restrictions mean owners in the affected area should pay close attention to official updates before making travel arrangements for their horses.

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**Picture: **Helena Lopes / Unsplash

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