Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in kudu at Addo

Follow-up tests have confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. SANParks has strengthened biosecurity measures, but tourism operations remain open.

 

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) after a second round of diagnostic tests returned positive results.

According to a press release issued by South African National Parks (SANParks), the Department of Agriculture: Eastern Cape was notified after wildlife health surveillance detected an increase in lameness among kudu in the park.

Although initial tests were negative, follow-up investigations and testing confirmed the presence of the disease in the sampled animals.

SANParks said no other wildlife species in the park are currently showing clinical signs consistent with FMD.

SOURCE OF INFECTION STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION

The confirmation comes amid a broader foot-and-mouth disease situation in the Eastern Cape. However, SANParks cautioned that the positive results in kudu do 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 questions are being investigated by the relevant veterinary authorities.

FMD affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals and is not considered a risk to human health.

No cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the park unless authorised by the relevant veterinary authority following the required risk assessment. Any future movement of susceptible animals will be subject to veterinary assessment, statutory requirements and formal approval.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES STRENGTHENED

SANParks is working with the Department of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the disease occurrence, monitor animal health and implement appropriate disease-management measures.

Biosecurity controls have been strengthened, including the disinfection of vehicles before they leave designated game-viewing areas. Additional measures are in place to limit the potential movement of infectious material beyond affected or controlled areas.

SANParks is also communicating with neighbouring landowners, livestock producers and other stakeholders to help align precautionary measures where necessary.

Further controls will be introduced if recommended by veterinary authorities or required under applicable animal-disease legislation.

PARK REMAINS OPEN TO VISITORS

Despite the confirmed cases, tourism operations at Addo Elephant National Park remain open and will continue under the park’s disease-management measures and applicable veterinary requirements.

Visitors are urged to follow all access, movement and biosecurity instructions issued by park management.

SANParks said it would continue monitoring affected kudu, other susceptible wildlife and relevant disease-transmission pathways in cooperation with veterinary authorities.

Further public updates will be issued when verified, significant information becomes available.

The organisation said its approach is intended to support effective disease control while keeping visitors, neighbouring communities and other stakeholders informed.