Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services has confirmed an outbreak of African horse sickness, with 25 cases detected across the state veterinary districts of Otjinene, Windhoek, Okahandja, Omaruru, Gobabis, and Mariental.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Johannes Shoopala, issued a public notice on Friday announcing that swift control measures have been introduced to curb the spread of the disease.
These measures include mandatory veterinary permits and full vaccination for animals entering or exiting affected areas, the quarantine of impacted regions, and recommendations for night stabling and the use of insect repellents. The government has also advised against horse racing and endurance events and has temporarily banned equine imports from infected countries.
Dr Shoopala urged owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated, particularly during the designated vaccination period from 1 June to 31 October. He also reminded the public of existing movement permit requirements.
African horse sickness is a non-contagious but often deadly viral disease transmitted by biting midges. It affects horses, donkeys, zebras, and other equines. Symptoms include high fever, breathing difficulties, coughing, sweating, and frothy nasal discharge. The disease has a mortality rate of up to 70%.