SANParks has confirmed recent cases of anthrax in the northern Kruger National Park. The authorities describe these as localised outbreaks that are consistent with the disease’s natural cycle in the park, and say they pose an extremely low risk to tourists. The situation does, however, carry implications for farmers along the park’s borders.
By Jasper Raats, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Anthrax is endemic to the region, and sporadic cases are recorded every year in the northern Kruger National Park, most often during the dry winter months, particularly among species such as kudu and buffalo. Animals become infected when they ingest spores of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can survive in the soil for decades. Buffalo are especially vulnerable because large herds frequent the same grazing areas and waterholes, whereas kudu are exposed when they lick leaves and soil where spores collect. Predators and vultures may spread the infection further by feeding on carcasses and carrying the spores into surrounding areas.
This is where the risk arises for livestock and game farmers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. In addition to scavengers, anthrax spores can also be dispersed by wind and water.
The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) warned farmers in 2019 – during an outbreak in Lesotho and the Free State – of the serious threat posed by anthrax. At the time, the organisation emphasised that all livestock (cattle, sheep and goats) had to be vaccinated, as required by law (Act 35 of 1984).
Farmers are advised to exercise caution when buying new animals, and to limit the movement of livestock and game as much as possible.
A single infected carcass that is cut open or mishandled can become a source of widespread contamination: every drop of blood contains millions of bacteria, and once exposed to oxygen these form spores capable of surviving in soil for years – under certain conditions, for up to 250 years.
Watch for Symptoms
Sudden deaths without prior warning are often the first sign that anthrax has struck a herd. Game and livestock typically die within 72 hours of infection. In some cases, blood may flow from the nasal cavities or anus, and advanced cases can cause swelling of the head and neck, leading to breathing difficulties.
The RPO emphasises that carcasses of animals suspected to have died from anthrax should never be cut open. They must be buried at least two metres deep and treated with slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), or else completely burnt. The organisation also stresses that farmers should report any suspicious deaths immediately to their local state veterinarian or animal health technician, who can then disinfect the site and vehicles, and prescribe further control measures.
SANParks notes that anthrax is part of the park’s natural ecological cycle and plays a role in regulating game numbers. Outbreaks generally subside after the first rains.
‘Terrible Disease’
Dr Gerrit Scheepers of the Phalaborwa Animal Clinic recalls first encountering a large-scale anthrax outbreak in 1993, when the disease struck Letaba Ranch, which borders the Kruger. “Many buffalo and kudu died, and we had to act quickly to contain this terrible disease,” he says.
Dr Scheepers immediately began vaccinating buffalo from a helicopter using a dart gun, and crisscrossed the region by air to vaccinate other susceptible species.
“Kudu, sable antelope and roan antelope are particularly vulnerable to anthrax, and of these, kudu suffer the most in an outbreak,” he says. He believes this is linked to the way kudu slowly move towards waterholes, nibbling at trees and bushes along the way.
“Because the animals die so quickly, carcasses often lie around waterholes during outbreaks. I think blowflies carry the disease from infected carcasses to the surrounding vegetation, which kudu typically browse on their way to drink.”
No further outbreaks have been recorded on private game farms since the major vaccination campaigns of 1993 and 1994, Dr Scheepers says, although the risk always remains.
Also read: Anthrax alert – livestock owners urged to vaccinate
No Risk to Tourists
Tourism activities in the park remain safe and unaffected. SANParks indicated that there was no risk of respiratory exposure to visitors. Anthrax is spread through direct contact, so the risk of infection during game drives or walks remains very low. The key precaution is to avoid approaching or touching a dead animal – a standard rule in the park in any case. Guided activities are led by trained professionals who are aware of the precautions.
Whereas anthrax is a natural part of the park’s ecosystem, it can be devastating for a farmer who is not prepared. Vaccination, responsible carcass handling and vigilance regarding sudden deaths remain the best protection for South Africa’s livestock and game industry, Dr Scheepers says. “This disease has been with us since biblical times, and it will always be a part of this region. We just have to assume responsibility for managing the risk.”
