Imports:
There has been a blanket suspension of import permits for the importation of horses into South Africa since September 2022. This was implemented by DALARRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development). This was instigated due to several inconstancies that occurred with the testing of SURRA (Trypanosoma Evansi, a parasite not occurring in South Africa that affects mostly Camels but also horses, sheep and cattle). The CATT test (Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosome), which is a simple screening test has presented some unreliable results. The implication on horses in post arrival being rather dire. The South African Ministry has since been negotiating new import requirements to try and mitigate the risk of these suspicious results. Although close to being resolved, currently the suspension is still in place.
Exports:
Direct exports to the EU from South Africa (Western Cape to be specific) has been banned for many years due to AHS. The only option was to ship via Mauritius which its self has become complicated, as horses now have to test negative for Piroplasmosis, endemic to South Africa with at least a negative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test. Most horses in SA will test positive even if not symptomatic. South Africa has recently under gone an Audit by the Food and Veterinary Office. COVID and outbreaks in the past in the surveillance area in the Western Cape have prevented an audit from having been done sooner. Once this audit has been through the relevant steps, the final report will be sent to the EU. The EU commission will then make a decision based on the recommendations of this report whether to lift the ban on direct exports. The SAEHP (South African Equine Health and Protocols) have had a monumental influence to get this process as far as it is to date and hope to drive this process to finality with a positive outcome sometime within this year. Direct exports are an immensely important part of the Thoroughbred and Endurance industry, and would have an amazing impact on our aspiring sport horse riders craving international exposure. Holding thumbs 2024 is a turning point for our Equine industry.
Written by Candice Hobday
