African horse sickness outbreak in parts of Namibia

On Wednesday, April 30, Namibian government authorities announced the spread of African horse sickness in several parts of the country. So far, 25 confirmed cases have been reported from the state veterinary districts of Otjinene, Windhoek, Okahandja, Omaruru, Gobabis, and Mariental. A statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said containment measures have been promptly implemented under the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011. These include the quarantine of affected establishments and the partial suspension of movement for donkeys and horses in veterinary districts affected by the outbreak. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals using a registered polyvalent African horse sickness vaccine. They should also keep their horses in insect-proof stables and report suspected cases to state veterinary authorities.
African horse sickness is a viral disease that commonly affects horses, mules, and donkeys. It alters respiratory and circulatory functions, provoking coughing, froth from the nose, and fever. The disease is not contagious, but its symptoms are often severe, leading to the infected animal’s death.