The response of some African wildlife species to foot-and-mouth disease vaccination.

The preservation of wildlife is of increasing importance in may countries in Africa but, due to hazards of possible transmission of disease from wild to domesticated species, the interests of the conservationist can conflict with those of the livestock owner. Foremost among transmissible diseases common to many species of both wild and domesticated animals is foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The effects of FMD vaccination on three important wildlife species, African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), eland (Taurotragus oryx) and impala (Aepyceros melampus), are described. The pattern of response in all three species was similar to that of cattle but of a lower order. The implications are discussed and a vaccination protocol is suggested.