Infection of some species of African wild life with foot-and-mouth disease virus

Abstract

The course of infection with foot-and-mouth disease was studied in a number of species of captive wild animals using a strain of Type SAT 2 virus from a current outbreak of disease in cattle. During the experiment a superimposed infection due to Type SAT 1 virus originating from a carrier buffalo was detected. Clinical foot-and-mouth disease occurred in kudu, impala, warthog and bush pig. Although clinical disease was not apparent in buffalo, very small vesicular lesions were observed in some of the animals. Wildebeeste and elephant did not react to either artificial or natural virus challenge. The carrier state was demonstrated in buffalo, kudu and cattle, and virus was recovered on one occasion from two of the wildebeeste. Virus persisted longest and at highest titre in the buffalo. Neutralising antibody titres after infection in kudu and buffalo were of similar order to those in cattle. Titres in impala were generally lower and did not persist at a high level for so long. Titres in warthog and bush pig were less and of comparatively short duration.