Pack of endangered wild dogs killed by deadly virus at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in northern KZN has lost a pack of wild dogs to suspected deadly Canine Distemper Virus.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife confirmed the pack of 12 animals - commonly known as the Crossroads pack - died earlier this month, during breeding season.
Ezemvelo says wild dogs are the most endangered carnivore in South Africa.
The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park has the second largest population of the species after the Kruger National Park.
Ezemvelo's Dave Druce says blood samples have been sent for testing.
"All the indications were that it was Canine Distemper Virus. The vets who were obviously called to the scene when we discovered there was a dog that was struggling - a few dead dogs - their opinion was that it was Canine Distemper. The only way they can verify though is by sending blood samples off to be tested," he said.
Ezemvelo and @EWTWildDogs sad to announce Crossroads pack has died from suspected canine distemper disease. 12 dogs pic.twitter.com/0jNbNgun2z
— EZEMVELO KZNWildlife (@EZEMVELOKZNWild) August 30, 2016
Two other key packs are being vaccinated against the virus.
Druce is hopeful wild dog numbers will increase again soon - saying one of the packs in the park appears to have had up to 13 pups this season.
Canine Distemper affects a wide range of species - including domestic and wild dogs.