Anthrax cases in KNP pose no threat - SANParks
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed the occurrence of localised anthrax cases in the Kruger National Park (KNP), but stressed that the situation poses no risk to tourists and forms part of the disease’s natural cycle in the region.
Anthrax is endemic to the park and sporadic cases are recorded every year, particularly in the far north.
While kudu and buffalo have been affected this season, SANParks said the incidents are typical, not large-scale, and do not threaten biodiversity or the survival of wildlife populations.
SANParks reassured the public that there is no risk of airborne exposure to anthrax.
Transmission requires direct contact, and strict park rules already prohibit visitors from leaving their vehicles except in designated areas.
Guided activities, such as walks, are always led by trained professionals who are briefed on safety precautions.
"Most important thing is that it most certainly does not pose any concern at all. If anything, this is kind of like something that tends to happen in the continuous management of the National Park, that there would be occurrences of this nature. Anthrax, by its very design, needs you to touch an animal for you to be able to be affected by it," said SANParks spokesperson JP Louw.
SANParks veterinarians and field teams are closely monitoring the situation.
Where carcasses are found to pose potential risks, teams intervene by removing, disinfecting, or destroying them.
The outbreak is expected to subside naturally with the first summer rains, consistent with the disease’s cycle.
"What happens is that where we find carcasses that we think could pose a risk, our vets, our veterinarians, and field teams will be there to remove those very quickly, and show that there's disinfection and the necessary destruction of the animal is done to mitigate any risks," Louw explained.
Anthrax has long been part of the ecological balance in the Kruger ecosystem, contributing to natural population regulation.
SANParks said while localised outbreaks may occur, they are usually contained and rarely require large-scale interventions.
"Anthrax is a natural part of the ecosystem, and can also be considered as one of the many, many ecological factors that regulate the population wildlife. And it therefore also contributes to balance in the natural system," added Louw.
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