A recent shortage of African horse sickness (AHS) vaccinations have caused concern for local riders and stable owners. Horses cannot be transported across the country and their health is in question as a result.
Francois Rossouw, CEO of the South African Agricultural Initiative (SAAI), claimed that the vaccine manufacturing company, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), which has a monopoly over the distribution and acquisition of the vaccinations, are badly managed and ill-equipped, resulting in this ongoing shortage. SMF News reached out to OBP for comment, but did not get a response in time for publication.
Rossouw explained that with most vaccinations, this is a recurring issue. However, specifically with AHS, he said that the strain is unique to South Africa which makes the production process more expensive, resulting in higher prices for horse owners and stable owners. SMF News spoke to a local stable owner about the circumstances surrounding the vaccination shortage.