South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in kudu in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. A second set of diagnostic tests on samples from affected animals came back positive.
SANParks says tourism operations remain open, but stricter biosecurity measures are now in place. At present, no other wildlife species in the park is showing symptoms consistent with FMD.
How was the disease detected?
SANParks’ wildlife health surveillance noticed an increase in lameness among kudu and informed the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture. The initial tests were negative, but follow-up investigation and testing confirmed FMD in kudu within Addo Elephant National Park.
What is not yet known?
The positive result confirms that the virus is present in the sampled animals. It does not, on its own, show where the infection came from, in which direction it spread, or whether it is linked to other outbreaks in the Eastern Cape. These questions are being investigated by the veterinary authorities.
What is FMD?
FMD affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals. It is not considered a risk to human health.
What has changed in the park?
SANParks has strengthened biosecurity controls:
- Vehicle disinfection: Vehicles are disinfected before leaving designated game-viewing areas.
- Movement controls: No cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the park without approval from the veterinary authority after a risk assessment. This is mainly relevant to wildlife management, not to day visitors.
- Wider coordination: SANParks is working with the Department of Agriculture, neighbouring landowners and livestock producers. Further controls will follow if the veterinary authorities advise or animal-disease legislation requires it.
What does this mean for travellers?
Visitors can still plan a trip to Addo Elephant National Park, but should be prepared for biosecurity checks. Vehicle disinfection when leaving game-viewing areas may add some time to your exit, so allow a little extra for it, especially if you are travelling on to another destination the same day.
SANParks asks visitors to follow all access, movement and biosecurity instructions issued by the park. Because the situation is still developing and further measures may be introduced, check with SANParks for the latest information shortly before you travel.
SANParks says it will continue to monitor the affected kudu, other susceptible wildlife and possible risk pathways, and will issue further public updates when verified information becomes available.
Subscribe for updates:
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.
