Horse owners will again be able to vaccinate their animals against African horse sickness (AHS), with vaccines now available for veterinarians to administer to horses across South Africa.
Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) confirmed on 16 May that there were 25 896 AHS vaccine doses in stock, ready for packing and distribution, and that vaccine production was continuing.
“Our plans are on track to meet coverage for the 2023 vaccination season for AHS. OBP is now running a sevenday production week, possibly until the end of winter,” said OBP’s interim chief executive officer, Luvuyo Mabombo.
Dr Nandipha Ndudane, president of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), said: “This is excellent news for horse owners and veterinarians who have been struggling to get vaccines due to shortages over the past year.
“The SAVC urges horse owners to get their animals vaccinated against AHS between 1 June and 31 October, ahead of the summer months when equine competition season ramps up. The vaccine gives the horse a very low, weakened AHS infection and it takes some time for the animal to build up an immune response to protect it against the field virus.
“It’s vital for equine welfare and disease control that horse vaccinations, such as those required for competition, insurance or export purposes, are both supplied and administered by an SAVC-registered veterinarian. The AHS vaccine consists of two doses given three weeks apart, and horses may not compete in events within seven days of being vaccinated.”
This story is from the 16 June 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 16 June 2023 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Care of newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.
Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day
If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.
Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson
Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price
The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?
Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.
Dream stud Merinos
This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.
Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.
Wheat production in South Africa
Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.
Sorghum essential for South Africa
Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.