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Press Release February 29, 2004

Press Release March 4, 2004

Press Release March 11, 2004

Press Release March 29, 2004

Press Release March 28, 2007

PRESS RELEASE - March 29, 2004

AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS WESTERN CAPE

Press release from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture / African Horse Sickness: Situation Update 29 March 2004

Samples taken from a horse that died in the Spes Bona area (between Durbanville and Klipheuwel) tested positive on the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute late on Friday 26 March 2004. Veterinary Services for the Department of Agriculture is handling this as a confirmed case of African horse sickness, until proven otherwise. Surrounding properties with horses or donkeys were placed under quarantine on Saturday 27 March 2004. The horses on this property, which is about 1 000 metres away from an extensive vlei area, were not vaccinated as they run free on the property. The remaining 5 horses on the property will immediately be vaccinated and moved away from the low-lying areas of the property. In another suspected case, a horse died yesterday (Sunday 28 March 2004) next to Kalbaskraal, off the N7 in the direction of Malmesbury. The clinical signs and post mortem results are strongly indicative of African horse sickness. Samples have been taken and submitted to Onderstepoort and a preliminary result is expected by Thursday. In the interim a cautious approach will be taken and surrounding properties quarantined. An in-depth survey of properties surrounding this holding has already been initiated. Additional stocks of vaccine will also be made available to private veterinarians for the vaccination of horses in these high-risk areas.

In both of the above cases it is thought that the spread of the disease was caused by a natural spread of the vectors (Culicoides spp. midges) in a northerly direction, depending on the prevailing wind patterns. The cooperation of horse owners in the following areas to limit horse movements to an absolute minimum, will be greatly appreciated:

Joostenbergvlakte, Durbanville, Klipheuwel, Kalbaskraal, Philadelphia

Owners in the high-risk areas are also strongly advised to have their horses vaccinated against African horse sickness if they have not been vaccinated in the past 12 months. Horses should also not be kept near vleis, rivers and other low-lying areas and should be stabled at night if at all possible. The twice-daily (mornings and late afternoons) use of insect repellants is also strongly advised. All instances of horses becoming ill should be reported without delay to a private veterinarian or local state vet.

Enquiries: Dr James Kitching 082 658 7775

Persvrystelling deur die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Landbou / Afrika perdesiekte: Huidige situasie 29 Maart 2004

Monsters versamel van 'n perd vanuit die Spes Bona gebied (tussen Durbanville en Klipheuwel) wat laasweek dood is, is deur die Onderstepoort Veterinêre Instituut laat Vrydagmiddag 26 Maart 2004 positief bevind op die Polimerase Kettingreaksie Toets (PCR). Veeartsenydiens van die Departement Landbou beskou hierdie as 'n bevestigde geval van perdesiekte totdat die teendeel bewys word. Omliggende eiendomme met perde en donkies is reeds Saterdag 27 Maart 2004 onder kwarantyn geplaas. Die perde op die betrokke eiendom was nie teen perdesiekte ingeënt nie aangesien hulle wild op die plaas rondbeweeg. Daar sal gepoog word om die oorblywende 5 perde so gou moontlik in te ent en hulle sal van laagliggende areas weggehou word.

Bogenoemde situasie word vererger deur die vrekte van 'n perd gister (Sondag 28 Maart 2004) net langs Kalbaskraal, 'n entjie langs die N7 in die rigting van Malmesbury. Die kliniese tekens en nadoodse letsels van hierdie geval dui sterk daarop dat dit ook perdesiekte kan wees. Monsters van hierdie geval is reeds na Onderstepoort versend en 'n voorlopige antwoord word teen Donderdag verwag. Omliggende persele sal as voorkomingsmaatreël onder kwarantyn geplaas word. Daar is ook reeds 'n in-diepte opname van persele in die omgewing geloods. Verdere voorrade van entstof sal aan privaatveeartse beskikbaar gestel word sodat perde in hierdie hoë-risiko gebiede immuniseer kan word.In beide gevalle word vermoed dat die verspreiding van die siekte toegeskryf kan word aan die natuurlike noordelike verspreiding van die vektore (Culicoides spp. muggies) saam met die heersende winde.

Die samewerking van perde-eienaars in die volgende areas, ten einde bewegings van perde tot ' n absolute minimum te beperk, sal baie waardeer word:

Joostenbergvlakte, Durbanville, Klipheuwel, Kalbaskraal, Philadelphia

Daar word streng aanbeveel dat eienaars in hierdie hoë-risiko areas hulle perde laat inent teen Afrika perdesiekte. Perde wat nie in die afgelope 12 maande ingeënt is nie, kan nou ingeënt word. Perde moet ook nie naby vleie, riviere en ander laagliggende gebiede gehou word nie en moet verkieslik snags op stal gehou word. Die gebruik van insekafweermiddels soggens en saans word ook aanbeveel. Alle gevalle van siek perde moet onverwyld aan die betrokke privaatveearts of plaaslike staatsveearts gerapporteer word.

Navrae: Dr James Kitching 082 658 7775

PRESS RELEASE - March 11, 2004

AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS: WESTERN CAPE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11 MARCH 2004

Another two cases of African Horse Sickness have been confirmed, bringing the total since last month to eight. Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture announced this morning that new cases have been confirmed on properties on the Anandale road and the Bottelary road just outside the boundaries of the Stellenbosch magisterial district. Samples from additional highly suspect cases on properties along the R44 in the direction of Somerset West, as well as in the Franschhoek area are currently being tested at Onderstepoort. Results are expected by early next week.

Although it seems that the disease has spread, all indications are that it is still limited mainly to the Stellenbosch magisterial district. Officials of the Department have visited more than 1150 properties with a total horse population of approximately 3050 to obtain data and samples in order to monitor the possible spread of the disease. Approximately 1000 doses vaccine have already been administered within a 20km radius of Elsenburg by private veterinarians and officials of the Department.

The complete ban on the movement of horses within the surveillance and free zone and other low risk areas is currently being softened in the light of the limited spreading of the disease. However normal control measures regarding the control of African Horse Sickness will continue to be valid. The ban on the movement of horses in the Stellenbosch magisterial district and identified high-risk areas outside of the district (Franschhoek and Bottelary road) will remain in place. The ban on movement is relevant to all horses, donkeys, mules and zebras and includes movement to, from, within and through the mentioned areas.

The Minister of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Johan Gelderblom says he is satisfied that the right steps have been taken since last month and that the situation is under control. He expressed his appreciation for the cooperation from private veterinarians, owners of horses and especially from the traffic and police services. "Their support greatly contributed to the limited spreading of the disease", Gelderblom said .

Owners of horses are advised to continue the stabling of horses and stringent insect control. Additional information as well as the press releases are available on the Department's website under the media link at www.elsenburg.com

Enquiries: James Kitching 082 658 7775 (021) 887 0324

PRESS RELEASE - March 4, 2004

AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS UPDATE

Following a meeting by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture with the horse racing industry today (Thursday morning 10:00) it was confirmed that the control measures as decided on Sunday have to stay in place for the movement of all horses in order to curb the disease from spreading.

According to Dr Gideon Brückner, Director Veterinary Services, it seems that the virus is a slow transmitter and that except for the six horses that died of the disease, no new cases have been detected since the last case on Saturday 28 February. However, the next 10 to 14 days remains critical and the Department will continue and expand its survey and investigation into the disease. To date the Department's veterinary personnel have visited more than 560 farms with more than 1600 hoses, within the 20km radius of Elsenburg.

The control measures as ordered are to remain in place until further notice with the only amendment that vaccinations must have been done within the last 24 months and not less than 30 days before moving, and not as previously stated 12 months.

These other measures include the following:

(4 relevant to the racing industry only)

All movements for racing or any other purpose have to be approved by the state veterinarian Boland whose office will issue a permit (red-cross permit) for movement, The state veterinarian Boland can be contacted on Fax 021 808 5125 or Tel 021 808 5026 or 021 808 5253.

Enquiries: Dr Gideon Brückner Director Veterinary Services (021) 808 5001 083 64 15 163

Dr Gary Bührmann Chief State Veterinarian 021 808 5253 083 642 0602

PRESS RELEASE - February 29, 2004

AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS: WESTERN CAPE

Joint Press release by the Minister of Agriculture, Western Cape and Gold Circle racing on the control of African Horse sickness in the Western Cape: 29 February 2004.

Embargo: Immediate release

Officials of the Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and representatives of the horse racing industry met at Somerset-West today to discuss the continuation of races at Kenilworth on Monday and Tuesday. The Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape, Johann Gelderblom, later joined the meeting.

After all the risk factors and the current disease situation was taken into consideration, it was agreed that the races on Monday and Tuesday can take place but under very stringent control measures laid down by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Gideon Brückner. The limited movement of race-horses to Kenilworth from racing stables at Noordhoek, Phillipi, Rondeberg and Milnerton will be allowed but not from high risk areas such as Paarl. Movement will be allowed under the following conditions:

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 as they are normally not vaccinated when resident in the free area.

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

All horses moved to the race must be certified by a veterinarian as fit and healthy with specific reference to temperature. The veterinarian must also declare the premises free of any infectious disease for the period four weeks prior to the date of movement.

Horses will not be allowed to move between 2 hours before sunset (17H00) to 2 hours after sunrise (09H00).

All movements have to be approved by the state veterinarian Boland whose office will issue a permit (red-cross permit) for movement. The state veterinarian Boland can be contacted on Fax 021 808 5125 or Tel 021 808 5026 or 021 808 5453.

Due to this current outbreak of African Horse Sickness, Western Cape Veterinary Services are unable to certify horses for export from the Western Cape African Horse sickness free-zone under the current protocol. It was agreed that the protocol control measures be looked at in detail for future improvement.

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 the racing industry will assist the Western Cape Veterinary Services in legal action against anyone contravening the movement restrictions.

Johann Gelderblom expressed his sincere appreciation for the spirit of co-operation between his Department of Agriculture, the horse racing industry and public. He reiterated that all of us have a commitment to make certain that the outbreak of African Horse Sickness does not spread any further. The situation will be re-evaluated again on Thursday when more information will be available on the further spread of the disease.

Inquiry; Dr Gideon Brückner: Director: Veterinary Services

Tel: 021 808 5001/2 Cell: 083 64 15 163

PERSVRYSTELLING DEUR DIE MINISTER VAN LANDBOU, OMGEWINGSAKE EN ONTWIKKELINGBEPLANNING - JOHAN GELDERBLOM

27 FEBRUARIE 2004

VRYSTELLING: ONMIDDELIK

Nog 'n geval van perdesiekte is opgespoor, en ek wil graag 'n beroep op almal in die perdebedryf, alle boere en alle eienaars van perde, muile en donkies doen om saam te werk om die verdere verspreiding van siekte te voorkom.

In opvolging van die intensiewe opnames wat in die Stellenbosch distrik onderneem is na bevestiging van die uitbreking van perdesiekte op Dinsdag, is 'n geval van die siekte opgespoor aan die westelike buitegrens van Stellenbosch. Die perd het gevrek kort nadat akute simptome vir perdesiekte waargeneem is. Die nadoodse ondersoek wat vanoggend (Vrydag 27 Februarie) by die Provinsiale Veterinêre Laboratorium uitgevoer is, was positief vir perdesiekte.

Monsters sal na Onderstepoort versend word vir bevestiging.

Die nuwe geval sowat 16km wes vanaf Elsenburg waar die eerste gevalle gediagnoseer is, noodsaak die instelling van dringende bykomende beheermaatreëls om die verdere verspreiding van die siekte te beperk. Die nuwe geval bevestig ook die vermoede dat die siekte vanaf elders in die gebied ingebring is. Die verskerpte beheermaatreêls behels onder meer:

· 'n Totale verbod op die beweging van perde na en vanaf die Perdesiekte-vry en Perdesiekte Waarnemingsgebied. Die vry area beslaan 'n klein gebied in die Kaapse Metropool Milnerton en Kenilworth terwyl die Waarnemingsgebied by benadering 'n radius van 100k strek vanaf Kaappunt en sluit in die distrikte Stellenbosch, Somerset-Wes en Malmesbury al langs die bergreeks en die vloei van die Bergrivier tot by St Helenabaai. Samewerking sal ook gevra word vanaf die Provinsiale Verkeersdiens asook die Rampbestuurdiens van die Provinsie om die nakoming van die verbod te moniteer.

· Verpligte aanmelding van enige verdagte geval van perdesiekte by die Staatsveearts Boland (083 6420602), enige privaatveearts en Polisie Perde met 'n hoë koors en moeilike asemhaling, neusuitloopsel en swellings bokant die oë, moet as verdag beskou word.

· Stalling van perde twee ure voor sonsondergang tot twee ure na sonsopkoms.

· Daaglikse behandeling van perde met 'n insekwerende middel

· Inenting van perde binne 'n radius van 30km vanaf Elsenburg. Perde wat nog nooit voorheen ingeent is nie of wat langer as 11 maande terug ingeent is, moet voorkeur geniet.

· Verbod op die hou van perde byeenkomste binne die gebied hierbo beskryf tot en met verdere kennisgewing. Die doel hiervan is om die aansameling van perde te verhoed aangesien dit die risiko van verdere verspreiding aansienlik sal verhoog.

Samesprekings is ook gevoer met 'n verteenwoordiging van die privaatveeartse in die Stellenbosch en Somerset-Wes areas wat hulle gewig ten volle ingegooi het agter die pogings van die Direktoraat om die siekte hok te slaan.

Die situasie sal voortdurend gemonitor word en die verbod sal nie langer as wat nodig is, van krag bly nie. Daar behoort so teen Woensdag volgende week meer duidelikheid te wees oor die omvang van verspreiding van die siekte. Perde wat moontlik reeds die siekte onder lede het behoort teen Woensdag duidelike siektetekens te toon. Die belangrikste doelwit bly steeds om verdere verspreiding van die siekte te voorkom en 'n herhaling van die omvang van die 1999 uitbreking te verhinder. Hiervoor is die samewerking van almal in die perdebedryf noodsaaklik.

	(4 relevant to the racing industry only)
	All movements for racing or any other purpose have to be approved by the state veterinarian Boland whose office will issue a permit (red-cross permit) for movement, The state veterinarian Boland can be contacted on Fax 021 808 5125 or Tel 021 808 5026 or 021 808 5253.