KZN Wildlife, Kruger embark on research into deadly canine virus
KZN Wildlife authorities say they're engaging with their Kruger National Park counterparts to tackle Canine Distemper Virus among wild dogs.
A pack of 12 wild dogs, commonly referred to as the Crossroads pack, was killed as a result of suspected Canine Distemper Virus in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in northern KZN last month.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife says blood samples are currently being tested to confirm the exact cause of death.
Ezemvelo's Dave Druce says research is being undertaken.
"At this stage, we're being cautious with things - vaccinating two other packs in the park against Canine Distemper Virus but at the same time, we're taking blood samples to see what the natural levels of immunity are to Canine Dispenser.
"We're in the process of linking this research that recently started in the Kruger National Park on Canine Dispenser in wild dogs," he said.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is home to the largest population of wild dogs outside of the Kruger National Park. Wild dogs are the most endangered carnivore in South Africa.