THE outbreak of foot & mouth disease in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, has led to concerns that it may spread throughout the province. The Kruger National Park (KNP) however is not concerned that the disease will spread into its area and affect its game stocks, due to a "red line" area which prevents animals from crossing over from surrounding farms into the KNP - and vice versa.
According to the KNP's public relations officer, William Mabasa, the so-called red ine is a stretch of property which runs between the fences of the KNP and surrounding properties and should any cloven-hoofed animals - such as buffalo - be caught outside the line, they are usually culled.
"However, very few animals other than lion and elephant, will cross into other properties."
Mabasa says the fences that were damaged in the floods are currently being reconstructed.
"Furthermore, since foot and mouth disease is endemic to Africa and buffalo are permanent carriers of the strain, it's not a serious problem if it is transferred. What has caused the problem in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) is an Asian strain of the disease which we are confident will not affect our game stocks."
(Adéle Mackenzie)
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