A MOVE to contain the spread of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in the northern part of the Kruger National Park (KNP), particularly in the Olifants River region in the Northern Province, was officially launched last week.
This follows two years of surveys, a series of workshops and subsequent approval of the containment strategy by both the South African National Parks (SANP) Directorate and the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
"The northern part of the KNP was chosen because the current BTB prevalence north of the Olifants River is very low and, to date, only three infected buffalo herds have been identified in the area," relates Danie Pienaar, manager of scientific services at the KNP.
He explains that the containment strategy entails the systematic testing of every buffalo herd in the northern KNP and the euthanasing of positive animals - the so-called 'Test & Remove' method. After being euthanased, the animals will be examined to determine the type of BTB and subsequently to discover at which point the disease enters the park.
A sample of 20 to 30 animals per herd will be tested annually for at least five years. Buffalo testing negative will be released back into their herds or, as in the case of fertile cows, may be taken to the Disease Free Breeding Centre in Skukuza, in the southern KNP in the Mpumalanga province.
"The animals bred here will be tested regularly until it can be determined that they are completely free of the disease, whereafter they will leave the KNP and be used to restock other national parks, with the first priority being the Vaalbos National Park in the Northern Cape. Surplus buffalo can be sold to private enterprises such as game farms and private reserves."
Pienaar says the breeding centre can hold up to 100 buffalo at one time and is a great breakthrough for tuberculosis-free breeding.
"To date, the only 'clean' buffalo come from the Addo Elephant National Park and then only in very small numbers."
William Mabasa, manager: public relations at KNP, says the BTB containment exercise is very expensive, with costs for the first year estimated to be about R960 000. Donor funding is being sought to help fund the programme.
Contributions can be paid directly into the KNP Animal Tuberculosis Project, ABSA Bank, Sunnyside, Pretoria. The account number is 40-4973-3185.
(Adéle Mackenzie)
