If you love horses, you can HELP FIGHT AHS (African Horse Sickness)
NONE HORSE OWNERS – YOU TOO CAN HELP STOP AHS (African Horse Sickness)
In this article we explain what AHS (African Horse Sickness) is and HOW YOU CAN HELP fight this deadly virus.
Helping Combat AHS (African Horse Sickness) in South Africa is a collaborative effort! African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a viral disease that primarily affects horses, donkeys, and mules. It is transmitted by insect vectors, particularly midges (Culicoides spp)
AHS (African Horse Sickness)
can be severe and potentially fatal for horses, with mortality rates typically ranging from 50% to 90% among unvaccinated horses. While vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe disease and death, vaccinated horses can still succumb to the virus, particularly in cases of highly virulent strains or if the vaccine was not administered properly.
Vaccinated horses may exhibit milder symptoms, but fatalities can still occur, highlighting the importance of ongoing preventive measures and monitoring.
Symptoms of African Horse Sickness (AHS) can vary depending on the form of the disease but commonly include fever, difficulty breathing, and swelling around the eyes and face. Additional symptoms may include nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, and a reluctance to move.
In more severe cases, horses may exhibit neurological signs such as incoordination, altered behaviour, and seizures. Other potential symptoms include colic, excessive salivation, and cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes).
Sudden death can occur, particularly in cases of the most virulent forms of the virus. Prompt recognition of these symptoms is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
Actions non-horse owners can take to help prevent AHS (African Horse Sickness)
- Spray for Midges and Mosquitos: Use insect repellent sprays around your property to reduce the midge population.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly clean up standing water sources, including pet bowls and bird baths, which can attract midges.
- Donate DEET Products: Consider donating insect repellent products to local equestrian facilities to help protect their horses.
- Treat Your Yard with Cypermethrin: Use this insecticide in your garden to help control midge populations.
- Spread Awareness: Inform friends and family about AHS and its impact on horse welfare in South Africa.
- Support Local Farms: Engage with local equestrian establishments by visiting or participating in community events to foster understanding and support for horse health.
- Advocate for Responsible Horse Ownership: Promote responsible practices in your community regarding horse care and the importance of vaccination.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about AHS and share information within your community to raise awareness about the disease and its impact.
- Support Local Veterinary Services: Encourage local veterinarians to provide education and resources about AHS prevention, which can help horse owners and the broader community.
- Participate in Community Clean-Up Initiatives: Join or organize community efforts to clean up areas that may harbour standing water or waste that can attract midges.
- Plant Insect-Repelling Plants: Consider planting insect-repelling plants (like citronella, lavender, or marigolds) in your garden to naturally deter midges and mosquitoes.
- Promote Responsible Waste Management: Advocate for proper disposal of organic waste and refuse that may create breeding grounds for insects.
- Support Local Equine Events: Attend or support local equestrian events to foster community engagement and awareness about horse health and AHS prevention.
- Contact Local Authorities: Encourage local authorities to implement vector control programs in your area to reduce midge populations.
- Shelter for Stray Animals: Promote local animal welfare centres, report any stray animals you see immediately. This can help reduce the animals exposure to midges while preventing them from congregating near horse farms.
By taking these steps, non-horse owners can significantly contribute to the fight against AHS (African Horse Sickness) in South Africa.
Actions Horse Owners can take to help prevent AHS (African Horse Sickness)
- Vaccinate Your Horses: Ensure that your horses are vaccinated against AHS as per veterinary guidelines.
- Keep Horses Indoors at Dawn and Dusk: Midges are most active during these times, so it’s essential to keep your horses sheltered.
- Use Fly Spray: Apply fly repellent on your horses every morning and evening to deter midges.
- Provide Full Face Fly Masks: Use fly masks that cover the entire face and include ear veils to protect your horses from insect bites.
- Properly Manage Feed and Water: Ensure feed and water troughs are not attracting insects by keeping them clean.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Regularly clean stables and surrounding areas to minimize insect breeding grounds.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Regularly check your horses for any signs of AHS and consult a veterinarian if any symptoms arise. Check your horses temperature in the morning and again at night.
- Set Up Fly Traps and Use Smoke Deterrents: Place fly traps around stables and grazing areas to capture midges. Additionally, burning materials in barrels can produce smoke that helps deter these insects, creating a less inviting environment for them.
- Regularly Inspect Paddocks: Check paddocks for standing water or damp areas where midges can breed. Drain or fill these areas to minimize breeding sites.
- Clean Up Manure Regularly: Remove manure from stables, around the yard and paddocks frequently, as midges are attracted to decomposing organic matter, which can create breeding grounds for these insects.
- Consider Strategic Grazing: Rotate grazing areas to avoid overuse of specific paddocks, which can lead to higher midge populations. This helps maintain a healthier environment for your horses.
- Utilize Natural Predators: Encourage the presence of natural predators, such as certain bird species and bats, which can help control the midge population by feeding on them, thus reducing their numbers around your horses.
We have listed other predators below.
- Birds: Various bird species, such as swallows, martins, and certain types of sparrows, feed on flying insects, including midges.
- Bats: Many bat species are known to consume large quantities of insects during their nightly foraging, including midges.
- Dragonflies: These insects are natural predators of smaller flying insects, including midges, and can often be found near water sources.
- Frogs and Toads: Amphibians like certain frogs and toads may also contribute to controlling midge populations by feeding on larvae and adult insects near water bodies.
13. Restricting the movement of horses during an African Horse Sickness (AHS) outbreak is crucial for several reasons:
- Containment: Limiting movement helps prevent the spread of the disease to unaffected areas, reducing the risk of wider outbreaks.
- Control of Transmission: AHS is transmitted by insect vectors. By restricting movement, the chances of infected horses coming into contact with healthy horses or vectors are minimized.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Movement restrictions allow for better monitoring of the disease’s spread and more effective surveillance efforts to identify and control new cases.
- Protecting Equine Health: Safeguarding the health of the horse population ensures that the overall welfare and economic stability of the equine industry are maintained.
- Public and Trade Confidence: Demonstrating effective control measures helps maintain confidence among horse owners, veterinarians, and the equine trade, which is vital for economic interests.
14. Importance of Immunity Supplements for Horses: Maintaining a strong immune system is crucial for the overall health of horses, especially in regions where African Horse Sickness (AHS) poses a significant threat. Immunity supplements play a vital role in enhancing the horse’s natural defences against infections and diseases.
Products such as Camelus Trophy, Vermate, and Equistrath are formulated to provide essential nutrients that support immune function. These supplements can help improve the horse’s resilience and reduce the risk of illness, ensuring they remain healthy and active.
Regular use of these supportive measures not only boosts immunity but also contributes to the horse’s overall well-being, making them better equipped to withstand environmental stressors and disease challenges.
By taking these actions, both horse owners and non-horse owners can contribute to the fight against AHS (African Horse Sickness) in South Africa.
Every effort counts in protecting these beautiful animals from this serious illness.
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Assagay Feeds is dedicated to providing horse owners with a comprehensive selection of products and accessories to help combat AHS (African Horse Sickness)
Their extensive range includes vaccinations, fly sprays, protective gear, and health supplements tailored for equine care.
To make shopping convenient, Assagay Feeds also offers a reliable delivery service, ensuring that essential supplies reach customers promptly.
With a commitment to supporting the equine community, they provide valuable resources to help horse owners safeguard their animals against AHS and maintain their overall health.
Whatsapp 078 559 3557 to place an order for delivery and to find out more about the products they stock.
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