Previous disease reports can be seen on the RuVASA website www.ruvasa.co.za
Click on Disease Reports
The following practices and laboratories (119) submitted reports during October 2015:
Mpumalanga (12)
Balfour – Dr. Louis van Jaarsveld
Bethal – Dr. Hardus Pieters
Delmas – Dr. Johan Jooste
Ermelo – Drs. Potgieter and Steinberg
Grootvlei – Dr. Neels van Wyk
Karino (Nelspruit) – Dr. Silke Pfitzer
Lydenburg – Drs. Trümpelmann and Steyn
Nelspruit – Dr. André Beytell
Middelburg – Drs. Fourie and Erasmus
Piet Retief - Drs. Niebuhr and Weber
Standerton – Dr. Kobie Kroon
Volksrust – Drs. Watson and Solomon
Gauteng (5)
Bapsfontein – Drs. Engelbrecht, Olivier and Ribbens
Bronkhorstspruit – Drs. De Bruin, De Bruin, Rudolph and Slabber
Nigel – Dr. Cindy van der Westhuizen
Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital – Proff. Annandale, Prozesky, Shakespear, Holm and
Drs. De Haast, Esposito, Gratwick, Hamman, Harmse and O’Dell
Pretoria – Dr. Hanneke Pienaar
Limpopo (6)
Lephalale (Ellisras) – Dr. Brigitte Luck
Makhado – Dr. Freddie Harris
Mokopane (Potgietersrus) - Dr. Henk Visser
Polokwane (Pietersburg) – Drs. Watson, Viljoen, Jansen Van Vuuren, Van Rooyen, Snyman and
Cremona
Tzaneen –Drs. Cordier and Du Toit

Vaalwater - Dr. Hampie van Staden
North West (10)
Brits – Drs. Boshoff and Coertze
Christiana - Dr. Pieter Nel
Klerksdorp – Drs. Van den Berg and Theron
Klerksdorp – Drs. Coetzee and Venter
Leeudoringstad - Dr. Ian Jonker
Lichtenburg – Dr. Nelmarie Krüger-Rall
Lichtenburg – Dr. Fritz Rass
Stella - Dr. Magdaleen Vosser
Ventersdorp/ Koster – Drs. Marais and Benadé
Vryburg – Dr. Jurie Kritzinger
Free State (24)
Bethlehem – Drs. Strydom and Strydom
Bethlehem – Dr. J.C. Du Plessis
Bloemfontein – Dr. Stephan Wessels
Bothaville – Dr. Johann Blaauw
Bultfontein – Dr. Santjie Pieterse
Clocolan – Dr. Liezel Wasserman
Dewetsdorp – Dr. Marike Badenhorst
Ficksburg – Drs.Kotze and Coetzer
Frankfort - Drs. Lessing, Cilliers and Janse van Rensburg
Harrismith - Drs.Thirion, Pretorius and Nel
Hertzogville – Dr. Nico Hendrikz
Hoopstad - Dr. Kobus Pretorius
Kroonstad – Drs. Daffue, Eksteen, Van Zyl and Van der Walt
Ladybrand/Excelsior - Drs. De Vos and Nel
Memel – Drs. Nixon and Nixon
Parys – Drs. Wessels and Wessels
Phillipolis – Dr. Stephan Vermeulen
Reitz - Dr. Murray Smith
Viljoenskroon - Dr. Johan Kahts
Villiers – Drs. Hattingh en Hauptfleisch
Vrede – Drs. Myburgh and Bester-Cloete
Wesselsbron –Dr. Johan Jacobs
Winburg –Drs. Albertyn and Albertyn
Zastron – Dr. Phillip Brand
KwaZulu-Natal (18)
Bergville - Dr. Ariena Shepherd
Bergville – Dr. Jubie Muller
Camperdown – Dr. Anthony van Tonder
Dundee - Dr. Tony Grace

Dundee – Drs. Marais and Fynn
Eshowe – Drs. Pryke and Hoffman
Estcourt – Drs.Turner, Tedder, Taylor, Tratschler, Van Rooyen and Alwar
Greytown – Dr. Mike Caldicott
Howick – Drs. Hughes, Lund, Gordon, Allison and Taylor
Ingogo – Dr. Trish Oglesby
Kokstad- Drs. Clowes and Shrives
Mooi River - Drs. Fowler, Hartley, Waterman and Mallet
Mtubatuba – Dr. Trever Viljoen
Newcastle – Dr. Barry Rafferty
Pietermaritzburg – Dr. Rick Mapham
Pongola – Dr. Heinz Kohrs
Underberg - Drs. Collins, King and Delaney
Vryheid – Drs.Theron and Theron
Eastern Cape (13)
Alexandria - Drs. Olivier and Dreyer
Alexandria – Dr. Thys Potgieter
Aliwal North – Drs. Troskie and Strauss
Cradock – Dr. Frans Erasmus
Graaff- Reinet - Dr. Roland Larson
Graaff –Reinet – Drs. Hobson, Strydom and Hennesy
Humansdorp - Drs. Van Niekerk, Jansen Van Vuuren, Barker and Kotze
Jeffreys Bay – Drs. Hoek, Lategan and McFarlane
Kareedouw- Dr. Marten Bootsma
Middelburg, Steynsburg, Barkly East – Drs. Van Rooyen and Viljoen
Port Alfred – Dr. Leon de Bruyn
Stutterheim - Dr. Dave Waterman
Uitenhage – Drs. Mulder and Krüger
Western Cape (15)
Beaufort West - Drs. Pienaar and Grobler
Caledon – Drs. Retief and Rissik
Darling – Drs. Van der Merwe, Adam and Senekal
George - Drs. Strydom, Truter, and Pettifer
Heidelberg – Dr. Albert van Zyl
Malmesbury – Dr. Otto Kriek
Malmesbury – Dr. Markus Fourie
Oudtshoorn – Dr. Glen Carlisle
Oudtshoorn – Dr. Adriaan Olivier
Piketberg – Dr. André van der Merwe
Plettenberg Bay – Dr. André Reitz
Riversdale – Drs. Du Plessis, Taylor and De Bruyn
Stellenbosch – Dr. Alfred Kidd
Swellendam – Drs. Malan and Venter

Vredenburg - Dr. Izak Rust
Northern Cape (7)
Calvinia – Dr. Bertus Nel
Colesberg – Drs. Rous and Rous
De Aar – Dr. Donald Anderson
Jan Kempdorp – Dr. Jan Brand
Kathu – Dr. Jan Vorster
Kimberley – Drs. Van Heerden and Swart
Upington – Drs. Vorster and Visser
Feedlots (2)
Drs. Morris and Du Preez
Dr. Andy Hentzen
Laboratory reports (7)
Dr. Mark Chimes - Deltamune laboratory
Dr. Marijke Henton - Idexx SA Johannesburg
Dr. Annelize Jonker – Stellenbosch Provincial Laboratory
Dr. Liza du Plessis – Idexx SA Onderstepoort
Dr. Alan Fischer – Queenstown Provincial laboratory
Dr. Rick Last – Vetdiagnostix, Pietermaritzburg
Dr. Emily Lane – National Zoological Gardens
119 Reports from veterinary practices and laboratories were received (Mpumalanga (MP) 12;
Gauteng (G) 5; Limpopo (L) 6; North West (NW) 10; Free State (FS) 24; KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) 18;
Eastern Cape (EC) 13; Western Cape (WC) 15; Northern Cape (NC) 7; Feedlots (FL) 2 and Laboratories
(Lab) 7).
Reports were also received from practices regarding ostriches, horses and game. These reports as well as the feedlot and laboratory reports are to be seen below the Disease distribution report as reported by veterinarians.
I received this newsletter from Barry Symons, retired cattle breeder and beef management consultant (Estcourt) and with his permission I would like to share it with you:
B
’
N
S
2015

G l e n b e l l a F a r m | B a r r y S y m o n s - 0 8 2 8 9 6 9 0 7 6
Page 1
I know it is really tough out there and I have been searching my mind for something positive to tell you. It has taken me some time to pluck up enough courage to write to you, yet I must.
What to do during this extended drought which looks as though it is not due to end too soon? Even if it rains today, for many of us there will not be green grass before about the end of November.


Make sure animals have roughage. If you are running short, split herds and open up paddock fences.
You can’t get smart about grazing systems now. You will be surprized what cattle can find to eat. If you have thorn trees, they will have green leaves and this is a valuable source of fodder.
Remember clean water is paramount. Watch out for muddy dams and vleis. Fence off if possible and pipe water to troughs. Consider carting water if necessary.
Keep up protein licks. Cows with calves need about 800-1000g/d of crude protein, so try to fulfil as much of this as possible. If you can get a supply of chicken litter then do so and pay whatever they ask. I am not ashamed to tell you that my 50 odd cows are eating 3.5kg litter/day and if this drought lasts any longer then I will up that figure without feeling any guilt. (This topic might be controversial but may be life saving. Remember to vaccinate your animals against botulism at least twice before giving chicken litter! http://landbou.com/kundiges/vra-vir-faffa/hoendermis-as-aanvullende-voervir-beeste/ Faffa Malan)
Leave your bulls in with the cows for as long as you think it needs to get them into calf. Getting cows in calf is your priority. Remain focused on conception because this year a late calf will be better than no calf. Don’t get smart with shortened breeding seasons!!
Offloading cattle and marketing. A good friend who knows his stuff advises:

Sell any fat cow (C2) NOW . Prices are good and supply tight, but that will end before mid-
December.

Do whatever it takes to get a cow fat, but don’t sell her thin (C1).

Feeder oxen and heifers will be in demand in January again.

Look long term and offload timeously.
There are a lot of positive things that we perhaps need to take note of during this really awful time.
Those of you who have real vleis, i.e. riverine grasslands, need to fence these off from the adjoining veld and use them as valuable sources of fodder in times of drought.


Take note that just about the only green in our grasslands is kikuyu grass. Manage these areas separately if they are large enough.
Where veld has not been grazed down too short during winter, Themeda triandra (i.e. Red grass) has flowered in spite of there being no rain.
There is no tulip in our lands; only holes in the ground where the porcupines have been eating the bulbs. What a pleasure!!
The Paper bark thorn trees are in full flower and what a sight! Their roots go deep to find water. Like

them, our roots need to stay deep in the Lord to find sustenance for the soul! Psalm 1 says: “They are like trees beside a stream that bear fruit at the right time”.
Hou die blink kant bo!
Best wishes,
Barry Symons (Glenbella Nursery glenbella@florasymons.co.za
)
Reports of protein, energy and trace mineral deficiencies are increasing. The drought will take its toll on all of us and RuVASA sends their best wishes to all stock farmers during this difficult time.
Some areas received sufficient rain and we are thankful with those farmers.
The following reports were received from practices regarding internal parasite infestations:
Roundworms
Internal parasites
Resistant roundworms
Wireworm
Brown stomach-worm
Large-mouthed bowelworm
Nodularworm
Lungworm
Tapeworms
Parafilaria
Liver fluke
Conical fluke
Cysticercosis (measles)
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia)
Coccidiosis
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x X x x x x x x x x x x X x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Be on the alert for signs indicating internal parasite infestation: anaemia, bottle jaw, weight loss and diarrhoea. Animals under stress are more susceptible to parasites.
Discuss control and preventative measures with your veterinarian.
The following reports were received from practices regarding external parasite infestations:
External parasites
Blue ticks
Resistant blue ticks
Heartwater ticks
Brown ear-ticks
Bont-legged ticks
Red-legged ticks
Paralysis ticks
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Biting lice
Sucking lice
Itch mites
Sheep scab
Mange mites
Nuisance flies
Midges
Blowflies
Screw-worm
Nasal bot
Reports of an increase in tick numbers were received. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x
The following tick borne diseases were reported by practices in the provinces:
Tick borne diseases
African red water
Asiatic red water
Anaplasmosis
Heartwater
Lumpy skin disease
Corridor disease
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
The following tick toxicoses were reported by practices in the provinces: x x x x x x x
Vaccines are available to control most of these diseases. Discuss preventative measures with your veterinarian.
Tick toxicosis
Sweating sickness
MP G L NW x
FS x
KZN EC WC x
NC
Sweating sickness is caused by the toxin secreted by the bont-legged tick. They like to attach in the tail switch and therefore this area should be treated as well.
The following insect transmittable diseases were reported by practices in the provinces:
Insect transmittable diseases
Lumpy skin disease
Ephemeral fever (Three day stiff sickness)
Blue tongue
Rift Valley Fever
Wesselsbron
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

First reports of insect transmittable diseases were received for the new season. The question to you is: Have you already ordered vaccines against these diseases and vaccinated your animals?
The following venereal diseases were reported by practices in the provinces:
Trichomonosis
Vibriosis
Pizzle disease
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
New cases of trichomonosis are reported every month and this disease is out of hand. Cattle study groups should discuss preventative and control measures with their veterinarians. Farmers are losing millions of Rand due to this disease! Be sure to test bulls regularly for these diseases.
Beware when buying in or sharing bulls! Remember female animals may also be infected.
The following bacterial diseases were reported by practices in the provinces:
Blackquarter
Botulism
Pulpy kidney
Lamb dysentery
Swelled head
Red gut (cattle)
Blood gut (sheep)
Tetanus
Salmonellosis
Bovine brucellosis
Ovine brucellosis
Actinobacillus seminis
Bovine tuberculosis
Johne’s
Leptospirosis
Pseudomonas
Septicaemia
E. coli
Enzootic abortion
Lumpy wool
Uterine gangrene
Wooden tongue
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Update your vaccination programme and order vaccines and booster doses in advance!
To control and eradicate brucellosis is a top priority for all of us!
The following viral diseases were reported by practices in the provinces:
BMC (snotsiekte)
Rabies
BVD
IBR
BRSV
PI3
Rotavirus / Coronavirus
Enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL)
Sheep leucosis
Jaagsiekte
Orf
Warts
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
There is no treatment for viral diseases with the result that animals have to be protected by vaccinations if they are available.
Discuss vaccination programmes with your veterinarian.
The following fungal disease was reported by practices in the provinces:
Ringworm
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x
The following toxicities were reported by practices in the provinces:
Cardiac glycoside
Gifblaar
Gousiekte
Cestrum (ink berry)
Tulip
Cynanchum (bobbejaantou)
Facial eczema
Lantana
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Prussic acid
Senecio
Geeldikkop (duwweltjies)
Vermeersiekte
Kikuyu
Ryegrass
Ganskweek
Mycotoxicosis
Diplodiosis
Harpuisbos
Syringa berries
Kraalbos
Crotolaria
Radish
Bracken fern
Water contamination
Nitrate
Urea
Snake bite
Blue green algae
Copper
Selenium
Zinc
Paraquat
Phosamine
Pyrethroid
Levamizole
Fluoride x x x x x x x x x x x x x
With the present dry conditions in many parts of the country the only green vegetation is tulip leaves. Young animals graze the leaves and are poisoned and many deaths were reported. The antidote is activated charcoal at 2 gram per kg body weight. http://landbou.com/kundiges/vra-vir-faffa/gif-en-geaktiveerde-houtskool/
Look for ink berry plants which are deadly if eaten by animals. This plant is spread by birds eating the fruits.
Always be alert to prevent losses due to toxicities. Carefully read labels and packet inserts before using drugs!
The following nutritional deficiencies were reported by practices in the provinces:
Energy
Protein
Phosphate
Deficiencies MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Calcium x x x x x x x
Nutritional deficiencies were the most reported on during October.
The following micro-nutritional deficiencies were reported by practices in the provinces:
Iodine
Copper
Zinc
Selenium
Magnesium
Manganese
Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Deficiencies MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
There are antagonists such as calcium, iron and sulphur which hamper the uptake of microminerals. Have water and soil samples analysed to see what the levels of these antagonists are.
Arrange with your veterinarian to have liver samples analysed to determine the status of these micro-minerals in your herd or flock.
The following conditions were reported by practices in the provinces
Multifactorial diseases and other conditions MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC
Abortions x x x x x x x x
Stillbirths
Abscesses x x x x x x x x x x x x
Bladder stones
Blindness
Bloat
Blood gut (sheep) x x x x x x x x x x x x
Blue udder
Diarrhoea
Epididymitis
Eye cancer x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Eye infections
Joint ill
Lameness/foot problems
Lung infection x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Mastitis
Navel ill
Red gut (sheep)
Trauma
Downer x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Other conditions: rectal prolapses
Discuss the origin, treatment and prevention of these diseases with your veterinarian
The following diseases were reported by practices in the provinces:
Acidosis
Displaced abomasum
Ketosis
Milk fever
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Due to a lack of energy many ewes with twins contract domsiekte.
Discuss the etiology, treatment and prevention of these diseases with your veterinarian
Dystocia (difficult births)
Endometritis
Metritis
Poor conception
Retained afterbirth
Sheath prolapse
Uterine prolapse
Vaginal prolapse
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Fertility of animals is one of the most important factors determining the success of farming.
Discuss all issues with your veterinarian.
Exposure to cold
Heat stress
Lightning
Drought
MP G L NW FS KZN EC WC NC x x x x x x x x x x x
Other conditions: drug residues (G); predators (G, FS, KZN); theft and sabotage (FS,KZN).
Comment:
In the CODE OF CONDUCT of the RPO the following standard operating procedures are documented. The local veterinarian should be your partner to help you achieve the necessary standards. http://www.rpo.co.za/BestPractices/English.aspx

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO SUPPORT BIO-SECURITY.
Precautionary measures are required to protect the herd against diseases acquired because of external contact. The following categories are of concern:
1. DIRECT LIVESTOCK PURCHASES (and own animals returning):
The following should be verified before importing new animals into the herd:

How long animals have resided at the purchase or previous location?

Have there been any recent disease outbreaks in the location?

Do brand marks clearly confirm ownership?

Was a vaccination program followed (need paper or veterinarian proof). What are the local prevalent external parasites and the routinely implemented control program?

Is a veterinarian supported control program against transmittable diseases followed?

Dates and sufficient number of tests for reproductive diseases of both male and female

Dates and tests for zoonotic diseases
The above should also be verified with the purchaser’s own veterinarian.
2. PURCHASES FROM SALES OR SPECULATORS

Purchase only in areas which are not in close proximity to scheduled areas

Visually inspect the animals before purchasing for:
* brand marks
* parasite infestation
3. TRANSPORT TO THE FARM

Use only reputable transporters

Has the truck been cleaned and disinfected?

Truck to follow the shortest uninterrupted route

Truck to take the shortest route to the handling facilities

Do not allow the truck personnel to get in contact with the farm herd
4. ARRIVAL ON THE FARM

Off-load the livestock to limit stress and to be visually evaluated for any unnatural conditions

Isolate them from the farm herd and shared facilities for at least 21 days (quarantine)

Retest for diseases of concern if needed, before mixing with the rest of the herd

Process new arrivals within 24 hrs after arrival (unique ID tag brand, dip, dose, vaccinate)

Inspect regularly
5. FEED PURCHASES

Ensure bales of hay are sourced from areas that are not bordering scheduled areas

Purchase feed from reputable dealers only

Avoid buying feed in second hand bags

Ensure feed trucks are also disinfected and cleaned, especially if also used to transport animals to abattoirs
6. VISITORS

Do not allow strangers or their vehicles amongst the livestock

Ensure fences are well maintained and preferably jackal and warthog proof
7. EMPLOYEES


Do not allow the employees to eat in feed stores

Supply employees with sufficient ablution facilities

Regularly arrange to let employees be medicated for tape worm and have health check-ups

Keep record of all employee livestock on the property

Treat employee livestock with separate but dedicated health programs

Ensure employees understand the reason behind the implemented bio-security measures to help ensure compliance.
GENERAL AND REPRODUCTION MANAGEMENT


Record keeping: All animals are individually identified and recorded.
To prove ownership: All animals are marked with the registered brand mark according to the
Animal Identification Act, No 6 of 2002.

A defined breeding season is the basis of effective management: The breeding season coincides with the rainy season, i.e. the period when nutritive value of the pasture is at its best.

Sufficient energy reserves in the herd as measured by condition scoring are vital, especially for effective breeding, and when inadequate the herd is supplemented in consultation with a nutritionist: Condition scoring of bulls and cows are regularly done, particularly at the onset of the breeding season and supplemented if necessary.

Bull - cow ratios are maintained: A ratio of 1 to 25 is maintained in every separate herd.

Fertility of breeding bulls: All breeding bulls are tested for mating ability and semen quality before the breeding season.

Sexually transferable diseases: Sheath washes or scrapes on bulls are performed annually.

Diseases that can cause poor conception, abortion or weak calves: Cows are vaccinated against such diseases in consultation with the veterinarian.

Breeding success monitored by a veterinarian: Rectal pregnancy or scan diagnosis is done by the veterinarian 8 weeks after the breeding season.

Twenty percent of cows or more not pregnant: Further tests are done to determine cause of low pregnancy rate.

Culling of non-pregnant cows: Non-pregnant cows are removed from the herd and considered a necessary bonus to supporting herd income.
HERD HEALTH AND BIO-SECURITY

Maintenance of herd health is key to a successful enterprise: A veterinarian should visit the farm bi-annually at least.

Calf mortality before 3 months of age is an important reason for poor weaning percentage:
Good management practices are applied to limit early calf deaths.

Some diseases and parasites (internal and external) are more often encountered in specific areas: Annual vaccinations and a parasite control program should be applied according to regional requirements and in liaison with the veterinarian.

Farmers selling weaned calves to feedlots may want to have a market advantage compared to others: A specific vaccination program is applied before weaning for that purpose.

Herds may be at risk of being exposed to CA and TB: The herd is tested annually for CA and all heifers are vaccinated against CA between 4 and 8 months of age with an efficient, approved remedy. The herd is tested at least every 5 years for TB

Precautionary measures are required to prevent diseases being imported into the herd: A quarantine program to keep incoming animals separate is followed. All incoming animals have a suitable certificate of negative test results or are of a certified clean, closed herd.


Stock remedies and medicines should be registered, correctly stored and used before the transpire date: All medicines and stock remedies are registered, stored and applied according to prescription.

Prescribed medicines with a specific application are under the control of the veterinary profession: All prescription medicines are obtained and applied under prescription from a veterinarian.
Reports were also received from practices regarding ostriches, horses and game. These reports as well as the feedlot and laboratory reports are to be seen below the Disease distribution report as reported by veterinarians.
Bont-legged ticks
Nuisance flies
Midges
Pneumonia
Diarrhoea
3 -
Very high tick numbers due to an increase in temperature and increased humidity.
3 -
Wet areas for breeding places and increased day temp.
2 -
Wet areas for breeding places and increased day temp.
1
3 -
Climatic changes with heat and high humidity – triggers to dysbacterosis. Together with by pass of carbohydrates and protein leads to overgrowth of Clostridia and E. coli .
Treatment is difficut due to resistance. Standard reaction to antibiotics is unpredictable.
2 Heatstroke
Balfour – Balfour Dierekliniek
Tetanus (1)
Lydenburg – Lydenburg Dierespreekkamer
Retained afterbirth (1)
Opthalmia (2)
Makhado – Blouberg
African horse sickness (2) – 4 cases
Vryburg - Vryburgdierehospitaal
Babesiosis (2)

Bethlehem - Bethlehemdierehospitaal
Memel – Memel Veterinary Clinic
Nuisance flies (1)
Port Alfred - Port Alfred Veterinary clinic
Nigel –Welgelegen Dierekliniek
E. coli (2)
Uitenhage – Uitenhage Dierehospitaal
E. coli (2)
Pretoria – Anima Veterinary Consulting Rooms
Vitamin B1 deficiency (1)
Mokopane – Dr. Henk Visser
Intestinal roundworms (1)
Bont ticks (2)
Brown ear-ticks (1)
Screw-worm (2)
Blackquarter (1)
Swelled head (1)
Abortion (1)
Abortion (1)
Abscesses (2)
Makhado – Blouberg
Heartwater (2) – Springbok
Red gut (2) – Buffalo cows
Polokwane - Pietersburg Veterinary Clinic
Bont-legged ticks (3)
Pulpy kidney (1)

Coccidiosis (1)
Trauma (1)
Klerksdorp
Intestinal roundworms (2) - Nyalas
Coccidiosis (1) – Nyalas
Klerksdorp - Buffeldoorndierekliniek
Bont-legged tick (2)
Lameness (1)
Capture myopathy (3) – Bontebok moved from Karoo to Nort West, 5 out of 15 died from suspected capture myopathy.
Lichtenburg – Silvercrossvets
Intestinal roundworms (2)
Blue ticks (3)
Protein deficiency (2) - sable
Abscesses (3) – sable
Capture myopathy (1) – springbok
Trauma (2) - nyala
Memel – Memel Veterinary Clinic
Blackquarter (1)
Parys - Parysdierehospitaal
Opthalmia (3)
Winburg – Winburgdierekliniek
Mortalities due to drought – Nyala, Gemsbok, Springbok and Oribi
Capture myopathy
Pongola - Pongola animal clinic
Internal roundworms (2)
Bont ticks (3)
Protein deficiency (3)
Energy deficiency (3)
Phosphate deficiency (2)
Calcium deficiency (2)
Drought conditions (3)
Game dying like flies. Disaster and those that can afford feed are feeding at great expense.
Port Alfred - Port Alfred Veterinary clinic
Diarrhoea (1) – E. coli in buffalo

Humansdorp – Humansdorp Veterinary Clinic
Intestinal roundworms – immature sable
Abscess – kudu cow
Abscess – giraffe with abscess caused by bont tick bite
Blind – springbok blind in both eyes
Upington – Dr. Ian Vorster
Mortalities – Two rhinos. Rhinos were transported in a truck with fine water spray causing a high humidity. First rhino died 3 days later due to stasis of the intestinal tract (ileus) and infection. Second rhino died one week later of pneumonia.
WILDLIFE PATHOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAMME
NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
P O BOX 754 PRETORIA 0001
232 BOOM ST PRETORIA
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is a proud facility of the National Research
Foundation
Member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Pan-African Association of
Zoological Gardens. Aquaria and Botanic Gardens (PAAZAB)
23 Oct 2015
DAFF
Import/Export Policy Unit Subdirectorate
Monthly report:
Cases sent to referring veterinarians between 28 th
August and 23 rd
October 2015
Cases from State vet Skukuza or Orpen
Cases imported with master permit and CITES permits (none)
PMDate Species Final PM No
01-Jun-15 Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin Meningitis and trauma 15Z096
08-Jun-15 Cheetah Feline Panleukopaenia virus infection 15Z099
09-Jun-15 African Black Footed Cat Mucous bronchopneumonia, glomerulopathy, oxalate nephrosis
15Z100
15-Jun-15 Cheetah Feline Panleukopaenia virus infection 15Z103
19-Jun-15 Cheetah None possible (autolysis) 15Z104
22-Jun-15 Cheetah Salmonella septicaemia, suspected Feline Panleukopaenia virus infection 15Z105
22-Jun-15 Lappet-faced Vulture Suspected complications of severe air sac haemorrhage 15Z102
22-Jun-15 Cheetah Suspected FPLV 15Z106
23-Jun-15 Honey Badger Blunt trauma 15Z107
25-Jun-15 Cheetah FPLV 15Z108
25-Jun-15 Cheetah presumed FPLV 15Z109
29-Jun-15 Cheetah No necropsy done 15Z110

29-Jun-15 Cheetah FPLV 15Z111
29-Jun-15 Cheetah FPLV 15Z112
29-Jun-15 Cheetah Gastritis monitoring 15Z113B
30-Jun-15 Cheetah FPLV 15Z114
30-Jun-15 Spotted Dikkop Blunt trauma 15Z115
06-Jul-15 African Wild Dog Complications of nasal neuroendocrine tumour 15Z119
06-Jul-15 Red eyed Dove Blunt trauma 15Z120
07-Jul-15 Porcupine Septicaemia 15Z121
07-Jul-15 Axolotl Unknown (no lesions) 15Z122
07-Jul-15 Lion Bite wounds 15Z123
07-Jul-15 Leopard Rabies 15Z124
08-Jul-15 Crested Barbet Fractured left leg 15Z125
09-Jul-15 Cichlid kribensis Suspected cutaneous fibrosarcoma 15Z127B
10-Jul-15 Egyptian Goose Fractured spine 15Z128
13-Jul-15 Cheetah Gastritis monitoring 15Z131B
20-Jul-15 Okapi Myocardial necrosis, cachexia 15Z132
20-Jul-15 Rosy Flamingo Amyloidosis 15Z133
23-Jul-15 Chacma baboon None possible (autolysis) 15Z134
23-Jul-15 Chacma baboon Healthy (problem) animal 15Z135
24-Jul-15 African Penguin Suspected maladaptation to new enclosure 15Z136
24-Jul-15 White Rhino Suspected starvation, possible ovarian disease 15Z137
23-Jul-15 Cheetah Gastritis monitoring 15Z138B
23-Jul-15 Cheetah Euthanasia (aggression) 15Z139
23-Jul-15 Cheetah Euthanasia (aggression) 15Z140
23-Jul-15 Cheetah Suspected leopard attack (fractured spine) 15Z141
23-Jul-15 Cheetah Limb and pelvic fractures 15Z142
06-Aug-15 African Wild Dog Bacterial pneumonia and gastritis 15Z144
04-Aug-15 Black Gibbon Ductus deferens biopsy 15143B
13-Aug-15 African Rock Python Aeromonas septicaemia 15Z145
12-Aug-15 Caracal Canine parvoviral infection 15Z146
13-Aug-15 Lion Septicaemia 15Z147
14-Aug-15 Red Panda Chronic renal failure 15Z148
18-Aug-15 African Wild Dog Suspected complications of canine distemper virus infection 15Z149
18-Aug-15 Nyala Ruptured abdomen 15Z150
18-Aug-15 Lion Suspected trauma 15Z151
19-Aug-15 Babirussa Metastatic pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma 15Z153
20-Aug-15 African Penguin Suspected bacterial enteritis 15Z154
24-Aug-15 Rock Dassie Encephalitis 15Z155
24-Aug-15 Laughing Dove Bacterial stomatitis, possible Pigeon Paramyxovirus 15Z156
Moraxella bovis was isolated from the eyes of cattle. There are three different Moraxella species involved in IBK [Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis], and Moraxella bovis is the most important.
Moraxella bovoculi can also cause it, but it is of low virulence, as is Moraxella ovis which is usually

isolated from sheep. The vaccine only protects against Moraxella bovis. IBK is exacerbated by dust and dry winds, both of which were, and are still prevalent.
Blue udder in sheep was caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Mannheimia haemolytica. Udder abscesses in a goat were caused by Trueperella pyogenes, as was a pig abscess, a bovine abortion and three cases of pneumonia in cattle.
Other causes of bovine pneumonia were Mannheimia haemolytica and Staphylococcus aureus.
Pneumonia in a pig was associated with Pasteurella multocida, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae caused arthritis in another pig.
Salmonella Typhimurium caused enteritis in adult cows, and Salmonella Dublin caused septicaemia in a calf.
All the other cases were associated with E. coli; enteritis in ostriches [2], enteritis, pleuritis, pneumonia and septicaemia in pigs, enteritis in calves [6], enteritis in a lamb, enteritis and bumblefoot in chickens and mastitis in a cow.
The only case of interest in wildlife was Cryptococcus in a chronically affected cheetah. Molecular tests will establish whether it is Cryptococcus neoformans or C. gattii. Ordinary biochemical tests are not reliable in this regard.
Sheep feedlots
Dusty conditions again contributed to the incidence of pneumonia in feedlots.
Salmonella Typhimurium infection caused some losses.
The drought and poor nutrition were the cause of poor and weak lambs arriving at feedlots and they had adaptation problems.
Vitamin A and trace element deficiencies in sheep contributed to the presence of eye infections.
Wireworm infestations was still at a low level.
Acidosis and blood gut occurred in a group of lambs that had been on creep feed. The rumens of these sheep were severely damaged with the result that losses occurred and growth was retarded.
Creep feed rations should be formulated with the help of a nutritionist. Circumstances of each farm is unique and must be taken into consideration when this system is used on a farm.

Cattle feed lots
Dust contributed to the increase in lung diseases which caused mortalities.
Wind contributed to nutritional disturbances, bloat, acidosis and red gut cases occurred.
Blackquarter caused sporadic deaths inspite of good vaccination programmes.
Lumpy skin disease broke out in feedlots in the Limpopo province and in other feedlots this disease was seen sporadically.
At abattoirs a large percentage of lungs were seen with chronic lesions and adhesions and this was due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The severe heat conditionscaused stress which depressed the immunity of aspecially the lighter calves but also cattle that had been standing in feedlots for some time
Conditions
Intestinal roundworms
Tapeworms
Liver fluke
Conical fluke
Blue ticks
Biting lice
Sucking lice
Nuisance flies
Midges
African red water
Asiatic redwater
Anaplasmosis
Vibriosis
Leptospirosis
Blackleg
Red gut
BVD
IBR
Warts
Protein deficiency
Energy deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency
Copper deficiency
Zinc deficiency
Selenium deficiency
Abortion
Lameness
B 3
B 3
B 2
B 2
B 2
B 2
B 2
B 3
B,O,C 3
B 2
B 2
B 2
B 1
B 1
B 2
B 3
B 2
B 3
B 3
Species
O 1
B 2
B 3
B 3
B 2
B 3
B 3
B 2

Lung
Diarrhoea
Abscesses
Eye problems
Abscesses
Dystocia
Metritis
Retained afterbirth
B 3
B 3
C 3
B 3
B 2
B 2
B 2
Tulip poisoning
Water contamination
B 3
B 2
Due to very dry conditions cows lack protein and energy due to malnutrition, reserves depleted and therefore cows have little or no milk.
Contributors

Mr Butch Bosch

Ms Ntando Magoso

Mrs Beverley Williams

Ms Nicole Gengan

Dr Rick Last
LIVESTOCK SPECIES
Ovine, Ewe
Caprine, Doe
Bovine Cow
Bovine Cow
Ovine, Ewe
Bovine Cow
Bovine Cow
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
DISEASE AGENT
NO.
CASES
Ovine Johnes Disease
Rumen acidosis with free gas bloat
1
1
MCF Widebeest Associated
MCF Widebeest Associated
Chlamydophila abortus
MCF Widebeest Associated
MCF Widebeest Associated
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
LOCATION
Humansdorp, E.Cape
Pietermaritzburg, KZN
Pongola KZN
Pongola KZN
Vryheid KZN
Ficksberg OFS
Estcourt KZN
Bergville KZN
Bergville KZN
Bergville KZN
Bergville KZN

Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Bovine Bull
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
Trichomonas
5
4
1
2
13
1
3
6
Bergville KZN
Bergville KZN
Bergville KZN
Vryheid KZN
Bergville KZN
Bergville KZN
Bethal OFS
Bergville KZN
Disease or condition
Heartwater
Theileriosis
Johne’s disease
E. coli
Bovine malignant catarrh
Protein / Energy deficiency
Abortion
Lungs
Diarrhoea
Capture myopathy
Specie and numbers
G 1
G 2
O 1
P 1
B 1
B,C,G 2
B,C,G 2
B,O,G 2
B,G 2
G 1
Condition
Intestinal roundworms
Anaplasmosis
Vibriosis
Blood gut
Brucella ovis
Coccidiosis
Rabies
Chlamydophila
Area
Mqanduli
Queenstown
Queenstown; Dordrecht;
Cathcart; Adelaide; Aliwal
North; Elliot; Lady Grey; Indwe
Whittlesea
Queenstown
Cofimvaba
Cofimvaba
Queenstown; Mthatha
Comments and Specie
B 1
B 1
12 cases (24 positive bulls)
O 1
O 3
O 3
B 1
B,O,C 3
Continue to see abortions, stillbirths, peri-natal deaths and mismothered weak lambs positive for
Chlamydophila (enzootic abortion) – various districts

Tulip poisoning
Ink berry
Slangkop
Cotula (Matricaria) nigelifolia
(stootsiektebossie)
Abortion (Brucella abortus)
Frothy bloat
Nqcobo
Lady Frere
Queenstown
Mqandula
Queenstown
Cathcart; Queenstown;
Whittlesea
B 3
B 2
C 1
B 2
B 1
O 3