VN March 2023

Vetnews | March 2023 17 our research group, in partnership with SANParks, found bovine TB in Kruger rhinos in 2016, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) imposed movement restrictions to prevent the spread of infection to other populations.” These restrictions created a barrier to the movement of rhinos to other national or private reserves. They significantly impacted the conservation of the species, as Kruger has historically been an important source population of rhinoceros for other conservation strongholds in South Africa and other African countries. The solution was to develop a test to identify infected animals before they were moved to prevent disease transmission. According to Goosen, the screening test that was used in their study was validated by the Animal TB Research Group in 2019 and was recently approved by the DALRRD for use in Kruger rhinos. A management strategy involving a quarantine protocol and testing schedule was devised in collaboration with SANParks and has been approved. “Should we now wish to start moving rhinos out of Kruger, we have the option to quarantine them, test them, and then send them out,” said Buss. Dwyer added: “The findings of this study are significantly important for wildlife conservation—not just of rhinoceros, but of many other species in this context. It demonstrates that the spread of pathogens in multi-host systems has important consequences for the conservation of different species and the whole ecosystem.” More information: Rebecca Dwyer et al, Epidemiology of Mycobacteriumbovis infection in free-ranging rhinoceros in Kruger National Park, South Africa, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2022). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120656119 v Article “TheSouthAfricanVeterinaryAssociationaims to serve itsmembers and to further thestatus and imageof theveterinarian. Wearecommitted toupholding thehighest professional andscientific standardsbyutilising theprofessional knowledge, skill and resources of ourmembers, to foster close tieswith the communityand thuspromote thehealthand welfareof animals andmankind”. MISSION STATEMENT SAVA-CVCsupportsvets thatprovideprimary animalhealthcare(vaccinations,dewormingas well as tickandfleatreatments, sterilisations) topetowners inlower-incomecommunitiesat Servicing and enhancing the veterinary community since 1920! Tel: 012 346 1150 E-mail: vethouse@sava.co.za www.sava.co.za