FMD confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park

Kudu at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape have tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), prompting strengthened biosecurity measures while veterinary authorities investigate the infection.

South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed that a second round of diagnostic tests on samples collected from affected kudu returned positive results.

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The Department of Agriculture was notified after SANParks’ 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.

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

The positive results, SANParks said, confirmed infection in the sampled kudu but did not establish where the virus originated from or how it was transmitted.

SANParks said the findings also did not, on their own, establish a link between Addo and any other outbreak in the Eastern Cape.

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These questions are being investigated by the relevant veterinary authorities.

Biosecurity measures strengthened

SANParks said it was working with the Department of Agriculture, Eastern Cape, and other stakeholders to assess the extent of the infection, monitor animal health and implement appropriate disease-management measures.

Biosecurity controls have been strengthened, including disinfecting vehicles before they leave designated game-viewing areas and introducing measures to limit the potential spread of infectious material beyond affected or controlled areas.

No cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the park unless authorised by the relevant veterinary authority following the required risk assessment.

SANParks said any future movement of susceptible animals would be subject to veterinary risk assessments, statutory requirements and formal approval.

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The organisation is also communicating with neighbouring landowners, livestock producers and other stakeholders to coordinate precautionary measures where necessary.

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

Is Addo Elephant National Park still open?

SANParks confirmed that tourism operations remain open and will continue under veterinary requirements and the park’s disease-management measures.

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

“Foot-and-mouth disease affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals and is not considered a human health risk,” SANParks said.

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The organisation said it would continue monitoring affected kudu, other susceptible wildlife and relevant risk pathways in cooperation with veterinary authorities.

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