Wildlife Tuberculosis Study Group

During the past 4 months, 6 kudus (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) with noticeble swellings of the head were reported in the southern region of the Kruger National Park. Unfortunately the veterinary personnel were only able to sample 2 of these animals. Due to the fact that kudus live in small family groups and are generally very well camouflaged, it is quite difficult to follow-up on the tourist reports of where kudus with head swellings were observed.

Both animals were females, the adult cow originating from the high water bridge area of Lower Sabie, while the younger sub-adult heifer was found at Skukuza. The kudus were euthanased and brought to the necropsy facilites of the State Veterinary office where detailed necropsies were performed and complete sample sets were collected for culture and histopathology.

The BTB survey in the buffalo herds from the Limpopo Valley in the Kruger National was completed in July. A total of 133 animals of different age and sex groups were captured during this survey. Three animals tested positive with the gamma-interferon assay and two had suspect results. Unfortunately, we can now confirm that this disease has reached the northern boundary of the KNP.

During a capture and relocation operation of Lichtenstein hartebeest from KNP to Mozambique, an unfortunate incident caused the death of one subadult cow. The carcass was transported back to Skukuza where a detailed necropsy was performed.

During a routine inspection of the lymph nodes, a suspicious TB-like lesion was found in one of the carcass lymph nodes. The caseo-necrotic lesion was fairly well capsulated, but no calcification or liquifaction was noted. Samples were specifically collected from the affected lymph node to be submitted to the TB laboratory at the OVI for further diagnostics.

Watch this space for further information.