‘Horse sickness not affecting racing’

African horse sickness has broken out in various provinces but it is not affecting racing activities.

Racing South Africa has given this assurance, but there is a ban of movement of the animals to contain the outbreak in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Western Cape is exporting horses and related products to overseas markets. The provincial Department of Agriculture says the current embargo on horse movements will not affect the export. At present there are 34 horses waiting in Kenilworth to be exported to European countries.

State veterinarian Gary Burhmann says the general principles of the protocol require that horse owners move their horses from infected zones into controlled areas.

"The horse has to have a passport, be clearly identified and must have had vaccination within the last two years and not less than two years. There also has to be a health certificate signed by a private veterinarian. In addition, there must be a movement permit from the local State veterinarian," says Burhmann.

More than R200 million was lost two years ago due to a ban placed on imports by the European Union on horses and horse products.