In Addo National Park, the infection of kudu with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed. This has led to the strengthening of biosecurity measures, while tourism activities in the park continue.
Addo National Park, located in the Eastern Cape, confirmed positive results from the second round of diagnostic testing of samples taken from the affected kudu. These animals are suffering from a highly contagious disease.
According to information from South African National Parks (SANParks), the Department of Agriculture was notified after wildlife health monitoring revealed an increase in lameness among kudu in the park. Initial tests were negative, but subsequent checks confirmed the presence of the virus.
Currently, other species of wild animals in the park do not show clinical signs consistent with foot-and-mouth disease.
Further Control and Monitoring Measures
SANParks is collaborating with the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders to monitor the sick animals, assess the scale of the disease, and implement appropriate control measures. Biosecurity protocols have been strengthened, including the disinfection of vehicles before leaving designated animal observation areas.
Additional measures may be introduced upon recommendation from veterinary authorities or in accordance with animal disease legislation. The movement of ungulates into or out of the park is prohibited without the permission of the relevant veterinary authority after a risk assessment.
Furthermore, SANParks is informing neighboring landowners, livestock producers, and other stakeholders to coordinate preventive measures.
The organization emphasized that the positive test results only confirm the presence of the virus in the sampled kudu, but do not explain how the animals became infected or whether it is linked to other outbreaks in the Eastern Cape. These questions remain under investigation by the relevant veterinary services.
Tourism activities in Addo National Park remain open and will continue within the framework of the park's disease management measures and applicable veterinary requirements. SANParks clarified that foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a threat to human health, but visitors are advised to follow all park instructions regarding access, movement, and biosecurity.
Foot-and-mouth disease affects susceptible ungulates, including cattle and some species of wildlife. Monitoring and observation will continue among the affected kudu, other susceptible wildlife, and potential routes of virus transmission. SANParks reported that additional information will be provided as verified data becomes available.
