Western Cape Veterinary services with Directors and Management of Cape racing met in Somerset West on Sunday, 29 February 2004 to try and save Monday and Tuesday's racemeetings at Kenilworth Racecourse. The Director has set very stringent control measures for limited movement of race-horses to Kenilworth from racing stables at Noordhoek, Phillipi, Rondeberg and Milnerton. The meeting was also attended by MEC for Agriculture Mr Johan Geldenblom.

For racing to continue, the control measures will be strictly monitored with the help of the SA police and traffic authorities. It has also been agreed that Racing will assist the Western Cape Veterinary Serviced in legal action against any one breaking these rules.

1. Only horses with valid African horse sickness    Vaccination Certificates certified within the last twelve months by a veterinarian may move to Kenilworth racecourse on Monday and Tuesday. This does not apply to horses based at Kenilworth or Milnerton.

2. Horses from Trainer Glen Kotzens yard near Agter Paarl have been excluded until reviewed on Thursday 04 March 2004.

3. Both horse transport vehicles and horses must be sprayed with certified insecticide prior to embarkation and off loading.

4. Every horse carded to race must be certified by a veterinarian as fit and healthy with specific reference to temperature. The vet must also declare the premises free of any infectious disease for the period four weeks prior.

5. Horses cannot move 2 hours after sunset (17H00) or 2 hours before sunrise (09H00).

6. All movements have to be approved by Dr Gary Buhrmann, whose office will issue a " Red Cross Permit" for movement. Dr Burhmann can be contacted on Fax 021 808 5125 or

Tel 021 808 5026 or 021 808 5453.

7. Due to this current outbreak of African Horse Sickness, Western Cape Veterinary Services are unable to certify horses for export from the Western Cape Free Zone area under the current protocol. It is agreed that Protocol Control Measures be looked at in detail for future improvement.

8. The spirit of co-operation between the department of Agriculture and members of the horse racing industry is appreciated by all parties, who are committed to make certain African Horse Sickness does not spread further.

For further information contact Brian Berrill - Regional Manager, Western Cape Regional Office - 021 7001600

Gill Simpkins
Communications Officer
Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd