Horse owners across South Africa are being urged to immediately vaccinate their animals against African Horse Sickness (AHS) following an unusually wet summer that has significantly increased the risk of this often-fatal viral disease.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) issued the urgent call this week, warning that the recent heavy rains have created ideal conditions for the vectors that spread AHS, which affects all horses, donkeys, and mules.
“AHS is a notifiable viral disease that can be devastating to equine populations,” a department spokesperson said. “With the wet conditions we’ve experienced, vaccination is more critical than ever.”
Four-Zone control system
South Africa operates a sophisticated four-zone system to control the spread of AHS, each with different vaccination requirements:
The Infected Zone covers most of the country, where AHS is endemic and annual vaccination is legally required. Here, the disease is a constant threat, making regular immunisation essential for horse survival.
The Protection Zone acts as a crucial buffer between infected areas, while the Surveillance Zone maintains increased monitoring around the disease-free area.
At the heart of the system is Cape Town’s Free Zone, which must remain AHS-free to maintain South Africa’s ability to export horses internationally and houses the country’s export quarantine facility.
Strict vaccination windows
Timing is everything when it comes to AHS vaccination. In both Infected and Protection zones, horses must receive their annual vaccination during the low-risk season from 1 June to 31 October, when vector activity is at its lowest.
“This timing dramatically reduces illness and death rates while limiting virus transmission,” explained the department. The only registered vaccine available is the live attenuated AHS vaccine produced by Onderstepoort Biological Products.
In the Free and Surveillance zones, vaccination is heavily restricted to protect the area’s disease-free status. Horse owners need prior written consent from State Veterinary Services and can only vaccinate during the designated window period.
Movement regulations
The vaccination requirements become particularly important when moving horses between zones. Any horse entering the Controlled Area must be vaccinated by a registered veterinarian no more than 24 months and at least 40 days before movement, with details recorded in the animal’s passport.
Proper vaccination protocols are crucial not only for animal welfare but also for South Africa’s equine industry. The system enables legal movement of horses between zones, prevents devastating outbreaks, and maintains the country’s international export capabilities.
Horse owners seeking more information can visit www.elsenburg.com or www.myhorse.org.za for detailed guidance on vaccination protocols and zone-specific requirements.
The department emphasized that with current weather conditions creating heightened risk, delayed vaccination could prove catastrophic for individual animals and the broader equine industry.
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