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Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape after a second round of diagnostic testing.
South African National Parks (SANParks), working with the Eastern Cape department of agriculture, confirmed that follow-up tests on samples collected from affected kudu returned positive results.
The disease was detected after SANParks’ wildlife health surveillance system identified an increase in lameness among kudu in the park. Initial tests were negative, but further investigations and testing confirmed the presence of the virus.
SANParks said no other wildlife species in the park were currently showing clinical signs consistent with foot-and-mouth disease.
The finding comes amid a broader FMD situation in the Eastern Cape. However, SANParks cautioned that the positive results in kudu did not, on their own, establish the source of infection, the direction of transmission, or a link between Addo Elephant National Park and any other outbreak in the province.
These matters are being investigated by the relevant veterinary authorities.
Foot-and-mouth disease affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals and is not considered a risk to human health.
As a precaution, no cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the park without authorisation from the relevant veterinary authority following the required risk assessment.
SANParks said it was working with the department of agriculture and other stakeholders to assess the extent of the occurrences, monitor animal health and implement appropriate disease-management measures.
Biosecurity controls have also been strengthened. These include disinfecting vehicles before they leave designated game-viewing areas and implementing measures to limit the potential movement of infectious material beyond affected or controlled areas.
The park is also maintaining communication with neighbouring landowners, livestock producers and other stakeholders to help align precautionary measures where necessary.
Further controls may be introduced if advised by veterinary authorities or required under animal-disease legislation.
Despite the detection, tourism operations at Addo Elephant National Park remain open and will continue under veterinary requirements and the park’s disease-management measures.
Visitors have been urged to follow all access, movement and biosecurity instructions issued by the park.
SANParks said it would continue monitoring affected kudu, other susceptible wildlife and relevant risk pathways in co-operation with veterinary authorities.
TimesLIVE