Title: Outbreak of African Horse Sickness Confirmed in Multiple Regions

The Directorate of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has announced the outbreak of the African horse sickness (AHS) in various parts of the country.

A statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday indicated that about 25 confirmed cases have been reported from the state veterinary districts of Otjinene, Windhoek, Okahandja, Omaruru, Gobabis, and Mariental.

AHS is an infectious but noncontagious viral disease that commonly affects horses, mules, and donkeys and is characterized by alterations in the respiratory and circulatory functions.

Its symptoms include sudden death, coughing, froth from the nose, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.

The statement said measures to control and prevent the further spread of the disease have been put in place with immediate effect, in line with the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011.

These include the quarantine of the affected establishments, while movement of horses and donkeys within or in and out of the veterinary districts with suspected or confirmed outbreaks will only be allowed under the cover of a veterinary movement permit on condition that they have received their full vaccinations.

“Owners are advised to vaccinate their horses using a registered polyvalent AHS vaccine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and horse owners are advised to stable their horses at night and other equines in insect-proof stables,” it read.

The public is also reminded that no person may move horses or donkeys within the country unless a movement permit is obtained in line with the law.

The directorate then urged horse owners to report any suspicious or confirmed case of the disease to the nearest State Veterinary Office as required by law.