BIOSECURITY MEASURES AGAINST FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (FMD)

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Game ranching with the many non-domesticated ungulate species of which we are custodians is different from farming with domesticated animal species in a number of ways.

1. Game species are not domesticated, are rarely “tame” but may be habituated to the activities that are undertaken on game ranches. This means that we cannot just chase them into a crush pen to observe and treat them individually whenever necessary. Generally, although here are a few indirect methods of treatment, especially for ticks, such as the Duncan applicator, Oom Gielie se Dipbak, and the Tick Off spray applicator, game animals need to be immobilized by a veterinarian (a very expensive exercise) to examine and or treat them properly. As a result, Veterinary Services, the world over has differing measures for domestic- versus game species. We are all aware of the very strict FMD (as well as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and Corridor disease) control measure imposed on the movement of our buffalo.
2. Different species have differing susceptibilities to different diseases and what is known for domesticated animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, does not necessarily apply to the different species. A very topical example is that of FMD: African buffalo is an asymptomatic carrier of the FMD virus, impala is susceptible, may show symptoms and may be a source of virus transmission. Bearing in mind that the virus is relatively hardy and can be transmitted on inanimate objects from property to property it is not inconceivable that other game such as kudu which can jump fences (even those species which do not develop disease) could act as fomites (transmitters) of the viruses such as do people, vehicles and so on.
3. As mentioned above, the laws to deal with outbreaks in domestic stock and those to deal with cases in our game species differ. This is because one cannot vaccinate game species, either because they are carriers (buffalo), or vaccine efficacy and safety has never been determined in game species. It is simply not feasible nor practical to vaccinate (twice) game on a game ranch, keep them in quarantine for a minimum of 6 weeks after the second injection and then send them to an approved abattoir for slaughter where the 5^th quarter will be condemned.

So, for the reasons above, if FMD is discovered on a game ranch the consequences will be devastating. I believe that ALL ungulate animals (antelope, warthog, buffalo, anything with split hooves) will have to be destroyed on the property. This will be devastating, financially, environmentally, and emotionally. For this reason, game ranchers must be even more observant and more careful in ensuring the biosecurity of their property (that they are not exposed to the disease). This begins with fencing – and this is not easy as kudu jump, warthog, and bush pig burrow, etc. It is therefore important to ensure the good condition of fences, to know your neighbour (is he a cattle speculator – then he is a major danger to you) or a game farmer. The latter must be informed of the dangers and together in a district or in one of our WRSA RIGs we need to work together to ensure we all understand the necessary measure, that together we are watchful, that we report suspected cases as soon as possible to minimize the consequences.

Depending on the circumstances, needs will differ in the intensity of their application. Fencing is but one of the many very important places to start; after that it is access by other people, vehicles, animals to your property. These we will discuss next month.

Be watchful, keep informed and do not underestimate the importance of this latest outbreak of FMD that has spread to all but 3 provinces now. Apply the strictest of biosecurity measures for your sake, for the sake of your neighbours and for the sake of the industry. Already 1/3 of all fattening calves in South African feedlots are under quarantine. I sincerely hope there is not going to be a shortage of Xmas beef (meaning a marked price increase can be expected).

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