'1 000 thoroughbreds have flu'
2003-12-12 21:58
Cape Town - More than 1 000 of the 1 200 thoroughbreds at the Milnerton training centre have come down with equine (horse) flu.
And, this is after the area was put under quarantine ealier this week.
A vet, Dr Vere Allin, said this high toll had been expected as the virus was extremely contagious.
Tony Barnes, executive chief of the Jockey Club of South Africa, said he would be surprised if all the horses didn't come down with the virus.
"It is unavoidable as all the horses have been exposed to the virus," said Barnes.
He said those that had been inoculated against the flu would either not contract it or suffer less-severe symptoms. The inoculation was not 100% guaranteed, he said.
Virus hasn't spread further afield
He said there had been no deaths so far and the situation was not too bad.
Experts are sure the outbreak is under control because the virus has not spread outside the quarantine area.
Dr Gideon Bruckner, director of veterinarian services in the Western Cape, was also confident the situation was under control.
Mike Greeff, the Eastern Cape race-course manager, said about 40 horses at Arlington race course in Port Elizabeth had the virus.
No signs of the virus had been detected in horses at Fairview race course.
Both Arlington race course and the Milnerton training centre are under quarantine. Races in the Western Cape have been cancelled.