SANParks has strengthened biosecurity measures after follow-up tests confirmed the disease in kudu.
Foot and Mouth Disease
1Min
South Africa
Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park
SANParks has strengthened biosecurity measures after follow-up tests confirmed the disease in kudu, while tourism operations at the Eastern Cape park remain open.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape following a second round of diagnostic testing, raising concerns about the management of the virus among wildlife and susceptible livestock.
South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed the positive results on Tuesday, 13 October, after its wildlife health surveillance programme detected an increase in lameness among kudu in the park.
The Department of Agriculture was notified of the initial findings. Although the first tests returned negative results, follow-up investigations and testing confirmed the presence of the virus in the affected animals.
SANParks said no other wildlife species in the park were showing clinical signs consistent with foot-and-mouth disease at the time of the statement.
The organisation cautioned against drawing conclusions about the source of the infection or its possible links to other outbreaks in the Eastern Cape, saying these matters were still being investigated by veterinary authorities.
In response, SANParks has strengthened biosecurity measures, including disinfecting vehicles before they leave designated game-viewing areas and implementing measures to limit the possible spread of infectious material.
The movement of susceptible cloven-hoofed animals into or out of the park is prohibited unless authorised by the relevant veterinary authority following a risk assessment.
SANParks is also working with the Department of Agriculture, neighbouring landowners, livestock producers and other stakeholders to monitor the situation and coordinate precautionary measures.
Despite the confirmed cases, 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 comply with access, movement and biosecurity instructions.
SANParks emphasised that foot-and-mouth disease is not considered a human health risk, while surveillance and monitoring of affected kudu and other potential transmission pathways continue.
Further updates will be issued when verified and significant new information becomes available.
