Bovine TB threatens Kruger Park wildlife
Animals in the Kruger National Park are not just under threat from poachers who are decimating the park's rhino population.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University say more than half of the Kruger's lion population in the southern regions of the park may be infected with a form of animal tuberculosis or bovine TB.
Professor Michelle Miller, who is with the University's Animal TB Research Group, says around 40% of the park's buffalo population - which are common prey for lions - have also tested positive for the disease.
"Our animals TB Research Group is looking at how we can develop tools to investigate TB in a number of different species. Right now, our focus has been to primarily on wildlife.
"We realise there are quite a few different species some of which are threatened or endangered that can be infected with TB and this would have significant conservation effect," she said.
(File photo: Gallo Images)