Western Cape lifts restrictions

Movement restrictions on Western Cape horses had been lifted following the resolution of a bout of African Horse Sickness, Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde said yesterday. In total, between March and last month, 36 properties were affected and 96 cases confirmed. The mortality rate was 11 percent. The last case was reported in the Robertson area on May 21. Winde said the horse export industry was worth R250 million, but could reach R1 billion if more favourable trade regulations applied. General movement restrictions of horses into the Western Cape would remain, he said. – Sapa