Wildlife Tuberculosis Study Group

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.

The positive animals were euthanased to allow detailed necropsy procedures where the BTB granulomas could be sampled. Culture results from these samples are awaited, but might take up the three months to show the presence of mycobacterial growth. Typing of the mycobacterail strain is essential to determine whether this is the same organism already present in the buffalo population or whether it could have spread from domestic cattle in SA.

Once again a big thank you goes to the Goodyear sponsors of the Toyota field vehicle responsible for the transport of personnel, equipment and biological samples. The Peace Parks Foundation also needs to be mentioned for their financial contribution towards this survey. Everybody involved thoroughly enjoyed the field work - as can be seen from our group photo!

Watch this space for more information on the collaborative surveys in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.