insect-proof facilities prior to export or at the point of entry. At present, the OIE
recommends a minimum 14-day quarantine period under vector-protected
conditions with appropriate diagnostic testing for horses imported from AHS
infected countries or zones. Within endemic countries such as RSA
movement restrictions within the Country are only practiced to a very limited
extent, leading to unopposed spread of the disease during the active season.
During the AHS season all equids should be stabled, at least from dusk till
dawn, and sprayed with insect repellents (eg DEET products) and insecticides
(eg Synthetic Pyrethroid products) where at all possible. For optimum
protection the stable openings should be covered with 80% shade netting.
This netting can be treated with insecticides as well. Ventilators and fans can
also improve protection. If sufficient stabling facilities are not available, barns
can be used. Even if not vector-protected, such housing reduces the risk of
infection. Elimination of breeding sites of the midges is also potentially helpful.
C. imicola breeds in moist, organically rich-soil, whilst C. bolitinos breeds in
cattle, buffalo or wildebeest dung, which means that it is not dependent on
rainfall or soil-type. Removal or prevention of these sites can be helpful.
15-‐18
February
2016
East
London
Convention
Centre,
East
London,
South
Africa
100