Horse sickness in Eastern Cape

The first case of African Horse Sickness (AHS) for 2008 was reported last month in the Ndlambe local municipality within the Cacadu district municipality in the Cape. Soon more cases were reported in regions including the Makana local municipality and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan local municipality with 11 confirmed deaths so far in these areas. According to Dr Ivan Lwanga-Iga, an Animal Diseases Surveillance Unit manager, the past few years have seen sporadic outbreaks of the disease which follow a seasonal pattern. Iga said AHS is caused by a virus which is transmitted by the culicoides midge. Symptoms include sweating, fever, breathing difficulties, discharge from the nostrils and swelling above the eyes. spread of the disease depends on the strain of virus in circulation, the movement and vaccination status of horses and the preventative measures against contact with midges, including stabling and using repellents. The immunity of horses to AHS is directly compromised by irregular and injudicious vaccination. A crucial annual vaccination of horses – and reporting cases to the state veterinary department – remains the direct responsibility of the horse owner as stipulated within the Animal Diseases Act. – Mike Burgess