The Jockey Club of Southern Africa confirmed on Wednesday that the highly contagious equine influenza has broken out in the Western Cape.
”The implications are serious,” said club chief executive Tony Barnes.
He said the last time there was an outbreak of equine influenza, in 1986, horse racing was affected for up to three months.
Barnes said the horse-racing industry employs many workers, whose jobs could be affected if the problem intensifies.
”Other equine sports such as showjumping and polo could also be affected,” he said.
In a press statement released by the club later on Wednesday, the club said it regretted having to announce the outbreak in the country.
The outbreak was confirmed after reports were received that many horses were coughing and displaying other symptoms of the disease at the Milnerton training centre in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Tests undertaken by Prof Alan Guthrie of the Equine Research Centre attached to the University of Pretoria confirmed that the horses had contracted the highly contagious disease.
”It is critical to identify and isolate all horses which could have come into contact with infected horses either at Milnerton training centre or during the race meeting at Kenilworth on December 6,” said Barnes, highlighting the need to contain, quarantine and treat infected horses.
He said indications are that the virus has spread to the Arlington training centre in Port Elizabeth, but tests still need to be performed.
Barnes emphasised that all horses that have come into contact with infected horses should be isolated and treated, and not allowed to come into further contact with other horses or the problem would explode.
”If they are [coming into contact with other horses] they will simply increase the size of the problem … which could result in claims being lodged against those responsible.”
Barnes said that there has been no reported cases of equine influenza in South Africa for more than 15 years, indicating that the virus could possibly have been imported.
He said the club would appreciate feedback on any cases where a diseased horses is suspected — affected horses typically display a high temperature of more than 39 degrees, and a nasal discharge followed by coughing. — Sapa