The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Veterinary Services have announced the outbreak of African horse diseases in various parts of the country.
A statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday showed that around 25 confirmed cases have been reported from the state veterinary districts of Otzinene, Windhoek, Okahanja, Omarl, Gobavis and Mariental.
African horse diseases are infectious but non-conventional viral diseases that generally affect horses, mules and donkeys, characterized by altered respiratory and circulatory functions.
The symptoms include sudden death, coughing, foaming from the nose, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.
The statement says measures were immediately introduced to control and prevent the further spread of disease in line with the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011.
These include quarantine at affected facilities, but horses and donkeys inside and outside the veterinary district are only permitted under veterinary exercise permit coverage in conditions of fully vaccinated.
“Owners are advised to vaccinate their horses using the multivalent African horse disease vaccine registered according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Horse owners are advised to stabilize their horses at night and stabilize their horses in insect-preventive stables.”
The public also remembers that no one will move horses or donkeys within the country unless exercise permits are obtained in accordance with the law.
The Directorate urged horse owners to report suspected or confirmed cases of illness to the nearest state veterinary office, as required by law.
