Kruger National Park

Media Release: KNP to get an answer on Bovine Tuberculosis

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Date: 2nd July 2012

The Kruger National Park’s Veterinary Wildlife Service Department will from tomorrow (3 July 2012) begin with the final process of a Bovine Tuberculosis (BTB) research project, which started in 2008 in the park in order to determine the effect of the disease on free ranging buffalos.

BTB is an alien disease which entered the park as result of buffalo contact with BTB infected livestock in the mid 1950’s outside the park and it poses a big threat to conservation of biodiversity. In 2008 an extensive research project was initiated in the park in order to gain some understanding of BTB and its effect on buffalo. A sample of about 200 buffalos was selected, captured and fitted with radio-collars so that they can be re-captured at six monthly intervals for the collection of diagnostic samples, application of treatments and assessment of body condition. The final stage of this research process which is taking place from tomorrow will see 125 – 150 of the 200 sampled buffalos being euthanized and to have complete post mortems conducted. 

In this process, the researchers will be able to determine the status and the progression of the disease. The process will continue until mid August and will be happening around Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge.

Issued by:
Public Relations Department, Kruger National Park 

Enquiries:
William Mabasa
HOD: Public Relations and Communication, Kruger National Park
Contact: Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919
email: william.mabasa@sanparks.org