The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has stepped up disease-control measures following the confirmation of African horse sickness (AHS) in the Cederberg region, raising concerns about protecting the province’s disease-free zone and equine industry.

The disease was confirmed on 27 October 2026 in a mule at Perdekraal, near Clanwilliam, within the established AHS protection zone. Laboratory tests identified the virus as African horse sickness serotype 7.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said the department’s immediate priority was to contain the outbreak and protect the integrity of the province’s AHS-free zone, which plays an important role in South Africa’s international equine trade.

“The Western Cape has a responsibility to protect animal health while safeguarding the industries and livelihoods that depend on it,” Meyer said.

He added that veterinary teams had responded swiftly and that disease-control measures were already in place.

“There is currently no evidence of the disease spreading into the surveillance or free zones, which is reassuring,” he said.

No spread detected in surveillance or free zones

According to the department, the affected area is approximately 198km from the AHS-free zone and 97km from the surveillance zone.

Although the source and extent of the infection are still being investigated, current surveillance information has not identified any spread into either zone.

The department’s Veterinary Services, working alongside the national Department of Agriculture and South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP), has implemented movement restrictions, quarantine measures, surveillance and diagnostic testing.

Veterinary officials are also tracing animal movements and monitoring the biting midges responsible for transmitting the disease.

Meyer emphasised that protecting the province’s AHS-free zone was essential because of its importance to the agricultural economy and South Africa’s access to international equine markets.

“The Western Cape’s disease-free zone is an important asset for our agricultural economy. Protecting its integrity requires continued vigilance, effective disease control and cooperation between government and the equine industry,” he said.

Horse owners urged to take precautions

The department has urged horse owners to cooperate with containment efforts and follow veterinary guidance to reduce the risk of further infections.

Recommended precautions include:

• Observing all movement restrictions and obtaining the necessary authorisation before moving horses, mules or donkeys.
• Monitoring animals for signs of the disease, including fever, swelling of the head or neck, breathing difficulties or sudden death.
• Immediately reporting suspected cases to Veterinary Services.
• Reducing exposure to biting midges by stabling animals, where possible, from two hours before sunset until two hours after sunrise.
• Avoiding low-lying, wet areas where biting midges may be present.
• Using appropriate registered insect repellents and insecticides.
• Refraining from vaccinating against AHS during this period, in accordance with current veterinary authority guidance.

The department also confirmed that African horse sickness does not affect humans and poses no food-safety or public-health risk.

No need for panic, says Meyer

Meyer appealed to horse owners and the wider equine industry to remain vigilant and work with veterinary officials as investigations continue.

“Early detection and responsible action are essential to preventing the spread of animal diseases. I encourage all horse owners to follow the guidance of our veterinary professionals and report any suspected cases without delay,” he said.

“There is no need for panic, but we must remain vigilant. We will continue monitoring the situation closely and communicating developments as verified information becomes available,” Meyer concluded.

Further information about disease-control measures and movement restrictions is available from the department’s Veterinary Services or through My Horse.

ALSO READ: SPCA seizes injured horse after boys lose control of cart