Design your stables and camps to assist in AHS control

Keep horses away from areas where disease-carrying midges multiply, like natural pools, lakes, streams and dams, advises Dr Mac.

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The African horse sickness (AHS) season usually ends in autumn when the frost starts. But the winter is now past us, and daily temperatures are rising as we approach the rainy season in several provinces. This increases the risk of AHS, particularly in unvaccinated foals and yearlings.

The disease is carried by small bloodsucking flying insects called midges. The species found most often in South Africa is Culicoides imicola.

There is a vaccine available for AHS, and horses should be injected at least six weeks before the rainy season starts. Although older broodmares and stallions can develop immunity, it's essential to vaccinate all weanlings and young horses annually until they are at least three years old.

Midges breed during the autumn months and they lay their eggs in nitrogen-rich, damp soil near natural water sources and drinking troughs.