Wheels in motion in South Africa as exports chief seeks to instil buyer confidence

Horses – and humans – are finally on the move from South Africa once again as the country emerges from the straightjacket of an export ban relating to African horse sickness (AHS).

Earlier this month it was announced that Brett Crawford, one of the country's most decorated trainers, will be joining Hong Kong's roster for next season. The news came very shortly after the impressive Sha Tin debut of Mid Winter Wind, one of the pioneering arrivals from South Africa who scored at up to Grade 3 level last year.

Less than 12 months ago, the announcement arrived that the ban on the direct export of horses to the European Union was lifted, and Adrian Todd, managing director of the South Africa Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP), sought to clarify the situation as it stands.

Historically, South Africa had not exported directly to the EU since 2011 and in 2013 failed an audit reviewing disease control and risk mitigation measures. In 2022 it was re-audited by the EU and the wheels began to turn.

"South Africa maintains a zonal system of control, with an AHS-free zone in Cape Town, surrounded by a surveillance zone, and then a protection zone before the endemic zone, which is the rest of the country," he said.

"Movement between the zones is strictly controlled with a movement permit system and constant risk assessments.

Adrian Todd, managing director of the SAEHP, has been a pivotal figure in international negotiationsCredit: Ollie O'Donoghue

"For export, horses must spend a total of 40 days resident in the free zone, the last 14 of which are in vector-protected quarantine. Horses are then permitted to fly directly to the EU."

At present, horses destined for the likes of Australia and Hong Kong are being moved through Europe before heading to their new homes, while the United States has a different programme, in which horses serve quarantine after their arrival. 

Leading South African filly Quid Pro Quo will be among the new faces in Europe after her purchase by international racing group Team Valor.

Brexit has, unsurprisingly, caused additional complications. Any South African horses due to reside in the United Kingdom will also be flying to an EU airport first. The UK has carried out its own audit on South Africa, while a direct protocol between the two countries is under review between the various authorities. 

In advance of potential buyers from overseas at the upcoming yearling sales season operated by both Bloodstock South Africa and Cape Racing Sales, Todd also expanded upon the composition and purpose of SAEHP, which administers the movement-control regulation. It is a non-profit independent regulatory body which operates under the supervision and auspices of governmental veterinary services.

"SAEHP is involved in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as envisaged by the World Organisation for Animal Health," he said.

"There are a number of different types of PPP and this one is designated a transformative PPP. In much the same as any other regulatory body, the independence of SAEHP is sacrosanct.

"All of our officials are authorised state veterinarians and they are only state veterinarians; they do not operate in private practice and in the course of their official duties report directly to the national director of Animal Health."

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