Open AccessSurveillance and control of anthrax and rabies in wild herbivores and carnivores in Namibia
Author(s) -
Berry Hh
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
revista científica y técnica - oficina internacional de epizootias/scientific and technical review - international office of epizootics/revue scientifique et technique - office international des épizooties
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.292
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1608-0637
pISSN - 0253-1933
DOI - 10.20506/rst.12.1.675
Subject(s) - wildebeest , rabies , veterinary medicine , biology , national park , ecology , medicine , virology
Anthrax has been studied intensively in Etosha National Park, Namibia since 1966; in addition, since 1975, mortality due to rabies and all other causes has been recorded, totalling 6,190 deaths. Standard diagnostic procedures demonstrated that at least 811 deaths (13%) were due to anthrax and 115 deaths (2%) were caused by rabies. Of the total number of deaths due to anthrax, 97% occurred in zebra (Equus burchelli), elephant (Loxodonta africana), wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) while 96% of rabies deaths occurred in kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), jackal (Canis mesomelas), bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) and lion (Panthera leo). Anthrax deaths were highest in the rainy season for zebra, wildebeest and springbok, while elephant mortality peaked during dry seasons. No statistical relationship existed between seasonal rainfall and overall incidence of either anthrax or rabies. Control of anthrax is limited to prophylactic inoculation when rare or endangered species are threatened. Incineration of anthrax carcasses and chemical disinfection of drinking water are not feasible at Etosha. Rabies control consists of the destruction of rabid animals and incineration of their carcasses when possible.