Addo Elephant Park confirms foot-and-mouth disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, prompting strengthened biosecurity measures as veterinary authorities investigate the cases.

South African National Parks (SANParks), working with the Department of Agriculture in the Eastern Cape, confirmed that a second round of diagnostic tests on samples from affected kudu returned positive results.

The disease was suspected after SANParks’ wildlife health surveillance detected an increase in lameness among kudu in the park. Although initial tests were negative, follow-up investigations 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.

Veterinary authorities investigate FMD cases

SANParks said the positive test results confirmed the virus in the sampled kudu but did not establish the source of infection or the direction of transmission.

The results also did not, on their own, establish a link between Addo Elephant National Park and any other foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the province.

These questions are being investigated by the relevant veterinary authorities.

Foot-and-mouth disease affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals. SANParks said the disease does not pose a human health risk.

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 at Addo

SANParks is working with the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders to assess the extent of the cases, 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. Measures are also in place to limit the potential spread of infectious material beyond affected or controlled areas.

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

Additional controls may be introduced if advised by veterinary authorities or required under applicable animal-disease legislation.

Addo tourism operations remain open

Despite the confirmed cases, tourism operations at Addo Elephant National Park remain open and will continue to operate in accordance with veterinary requirements and the park’s disease-management measures.

Visitors are encouraged to follow all access, movement and biosecurity instructions issued by park authorities.

SANParks said it would continue monitoring affected kudu, other susceptible wildlife and potential 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 was intended to support effective disease control while keeping visitors, neighbouring communities and other stakeholders informed.

IOL