# Following an unusually wet summer, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture urges horse owners to vaccinate against African Horse Sickness, a fatal equine disease. South Africa is divided into control zones, with mandatory vaccination required in infected zones and protection zones between June and October. In free and surveillance zones, vaccination requires state approval. Head of Communication Mary James says proper vaccination supports horse movement and protects South Africa’s equine export trade. Only the live attenuated AHS vaccine from Onderstepoort is authorised.
African horse sickness vaccination essential