Tuesday, 28 March 2006, marks the two year period since the last case of African Horse Sickness (AHS) in the 2004 AHS outbreak in Stellenbosch was reported. The South African Veterinary Services are now able to officially request a lifting of the suspension imposed by the European Commission which will result in the direct export of South African horses again. This is not only a massive saving in terms of cost to the importer, but also significantly reduces the quarantine period and logistical difficulties experienced with the Mauritian export route.
As a result of information surrounding the current outbreak of AHS in many parts of South Africa , State Vet Boland issued a press release on 20 March 2006. This recommended that the National Department of Agriculture impose a step-wise movement of all horses wishing to enter the Controlled Area in the Western Cape from areas deemed to be high risk.
It should be noted that indiscriminate movements of horses into the Western Cape endangers the status of the AHS Free Zone and thus compromises the export of horses from South Africa.
Racing South Africa 's Import Export Working Group is working on an alternative export solution that moves away from the current system of movement controls and zones. However, until such time as importing countries are willing to consider this alternative, the opportunity to resume exporting under the EU Protocol should not be compromised.
Racing South Africa , therefore, calls on the South African Equestrian Industry to observe the new rules regarding the movement of horses.