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The Park: Advisory -
Anthrax
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In this section information is provided concerning anthrax in
Kruger National Park.
 Anthrax
Anthrax is an acute fatal bacterial disease with almost world-wide distribution.
Outbreaks tend to occur in cycles of between five and twenty years, and the
Lowveld is no exception. In the past, the Kruger National Park has experienced
several major epidemics of this disease which were documented in the early
sixties, early seventies and again in the early nineties. All mammals (including
man) are susceptible, but some (such as kudu and buffalo) are more vulnerable
than others. To date, mortalities have been confirmed in nine species. The
disease is spread to water points by scavengers, and vegetation is contaminated
by blow flies. Resistant bacterial spores may remain dormant in the soil for
many years, until certain environmental factors trigger another outbreak. In
most species, the major clinical sign of anthrax is a sudden death, and
frequently, dark tarry blood leaks from one or more of the body openings. Lions
may become infected when feeding on anthrax carcasses, and in infected lions,
the head and face is frequently swollen. Although this disease is invariably
fatal, history has shown that anthrax functions as a natural population control
mechanism in wildlife, with minimal risk of species extinction.
Implications
Domestic livestock are also susceptible and should be
prophylactically vaccinated. Fortunately most cattle in the
adjoining area of Northern Province have already been inoculated
against anthrax earlier this year by Officials of the Provincial
Directorate of Veterinary Services for that Province. A campaign
is under way to vaccinate any remaining susceptible cattle. The
disease is more difficult to control in free-ranging wildlife
because to vaccinate these animals efficiently requires the use
of helicopter and remote injection (darting) techniques, which
are immensely expensive. Nevertheless, certain rare species are
vaccinated in order to safeguard these animals. Park residents
and tourists visiting the Kruger National Park and adjoining
Lowveld Reserves are not at risk unless they handle or eat meat
from an infected carcass. Increased levels of surveillance and
vigilance are required to monitor the progression of this
outbreak. It may remain focal in the currently infected area,
but may also start spreading and develop into a full-blown
epidemic. The National and Provincial Directorate of Animal
Health in close co-operation with South African National Parks
are monitoring the situation closely, and will keep the public
informed of developments.
Recommendations
All unvaccinated cattle in the Lowveld communal grazing areas
should be inoculated against anthrax as soon as possible.
Commercial farmers in the Lowveld are urged to vaccinate all
their cattle. Commercial game farmers in the high risk areas
adjoining the outbreak are advised to be vigilant and monitor
developments closely. In the event of the outbreak assuming
epidemic proportions, they should consider inoculation of
endangered and valuable wildlife on their properties. All
persons should report any sudden deaths in domestic or wild
animals to their nearest State Veterinarian, Animal Health
Technician or private veterinarian. The Provincial Departments
of Health should be informed of the location of any confirmed
cases of anthrax in animals. People should not handle carcasses
or eat the meat of animals that have died suddenly. Farmers and
rangers should inform their staff accordingly. Veterinary,
agricultural and health extension officials should promote
awareness of the outbreak amongst the communities they serve.
Finally, it must be emphasized that there is no need for panic.
The outbreak is currently limited to a relatively small area,
and much larger outbreaks have been experienced and weathered in
the past.
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