Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in kudu at Addo Elephant National Park

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in kudu within the Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The confirmation follows an increase in lameness among the kudu population, which prompted wildlife health surveillance by South African National Parks (SANParks).

While initial diagnostic tests had returned negative results, a second round of testing confirmed the presence of the highly contagious viral disease. Veterinary authorities and the Department of Agriculture are currently investigating the source of the infection and any potential links to other outbreaks in the province.

Although the virus poses a significant risk to susceptible cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and other wildlife, SANParks reports that no other wildlife species in the park are currently showing clinical signs of the disease. Authorities are working to establish the direction of transmission and strengthen biosecurity measures to protect neighboring livestock farms.