STATEMENT BY COBUS DOWRY, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE IN THE WESTERN CAPE

WORCESTER/ROBERTSON CLEARED OF AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS


  Early in April 2006 a temporary ban was imposed on the movement of
  horses, mules, donkeys and zebras in the Worcester and Robertson
  magisterial districts.  The purpose of this ban was to limit the spread
  of an outbreak of African Horse Sickness on the border between these
  districts.  Since the last case of the disease was diagnosed four weeks
  ago Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture is
  now in a position to, with effect on Friday 14 July 2006, lift the ban.

  It must be emphasised that all movement of horses within and into the
  African Horse Sickness control zones in the Western Cape must still
  adhere to the protocol requirements that have been in place before the
  ban was instituted.  The details of these requirements can be obtained
  from the closest State Veterinarian or the State Veterinarian, Boland on
  telephone (021) 808 5026 during office hours.  The protocol aims at
  preventing the introduction of African Horse Sickness into the Western
  Cape.

With the cooperation of all role players, and in particular the owners
  of horses, it was possible to contain the outbreak to a limited area in
  the Worcester and Robertson districts.  The Department of Agriculture
  appreciates the cooperation that they received at all times during the
period that the ban on the movement of animals was in place.

I want to thank officials of the department for their dedication as
  well as horse owners for the partnerships that they've formed with us
  to control and curb the sickness. 

Enquiries:   Alie van Jaarsveld
         084 604 6701

         Dr James Kitching
         082 658 7775