AGRICULTURE NEWS - A kudu in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) has tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) following further diagnostic testing, prompting strengthened biosecurity measures and continued monitoring by South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.

SANParks said the positive result followed a second round of testing after wildlife health surveillance detected increased lameness among kudus in the park.

Although initial tests were negative, a follow-up investigation and further testing confirmed the presence of FMD in kudu. No other wildlife species in the park are currently showing clinical signs consistent with the disease.

In a statement on Monday, SANParks cautioned that the finding confirmed the presence of the virus in the sampled animals but did not establish the source of infection, the direction of transmission or a link between Addo and any other outbreak in the province.

These aspects are being investigated by the relevant veterinary authorities.

FMD is a highly contagious animal disease that affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals. It is not considered a risk to human health.

SANParks said no cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the park without authorisation from the relevant veterinary authority following the required risk assessment.

The organisation is working with the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders to determine the extent of the 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 and measures to limit the potential spread of infectious material beyond affected or controlled areas.

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

Any future movement of susceptible animals will be subject to veterinary risk assessments, statutory requirements and formal approval. Further controls may be introduced if recommended by veterinary authorities or required by animal-disease legislation.

Tourism operations remain open

SANParks confirmed that tourism operations at Addo Elephant National Park remain open and will continue in accordance with veterinary requirements and the park’s disease-management measures.

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

The organisation said it maintains active wildlife disease surveillance and response systems and will continue monitoring affected kudus, other susceptible wildlife and relevant potential transmission pathways in cooperation with veterinary authorities.

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

The measures are intended to support effective disease control while keeping visitors, neighbouring communities and other stakeholders informed.

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