SUSPECTED CASE OF AHS IN CONTROLLED AREA

In accordance with EU Commission Decision, 97/10/EC, the Department of Agriculture (DoA) has notified the European Commission that it is investigating a suspect case of African Horse Sickness (AHS) in the Robertson district in the Western Cape .

Following the submission of a sample taken from a horse on a farm near Robertson, the Import Export Working Group was notified by Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) that the sample had tested positive on the initial test run. Further tests are in the process of being completed to confirm the initial findings, evaluate the virus strain and to differentiate field virus from possible vaccine involvement.

On conclusion of a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case, the EU will be informed of the State's findings. It should be noted that the Robertson district falls within the Protection Zone of the Controlled Area, approximately 120kms from the Free Zone.

AHS is a controlled disease and the management of the case, therefore, falls within the authority of Veterinary Services. For further information, please contact the nearest State Veterinary Officer.

Peter Gibson

CEO

Racing South Africa

Monday, April 10, 2006