AGRA HOSTS BREAKFAST TO DISCUSS RABIES IN KUDU
Published: 12 Sep 2013  

Namibia has a wide range of wildlife resources atttracting thousands of tourists worldwide annually. Kudu are one of Namibia’s most well-known and popular antelope species but also a species under constant threat from rabies. Traditionally, carnivores have been considered the carrier host for this disease, but since the late 1970’s, following a devastating rabies outbreak in the kudu population, the indications are there to suspect that a species specific strain is now being maintained in nature by the Namibian kudu population.

It is against this background that Agra ProVision (formely known as PSD) will host a breakfast session under the theme “Rabies in Kudu Antelope in Namibia” to discuss and share more information on this serious disease that not only continues to pose a threat to the kudu population, but also to our wildlife in general. This session takes place on the 20th of September 2013, at Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring from 07h30 to 09h00.

The session will be presented by Dr Rainer Hassel, Agra’s Technical Advisor for Animal Health. Dr Hassel worked as a state veterinarian between 1978 and 1982 stationed in Keetmanshoop, Omaruru and Windhoek. He is an executive committee member of the Veterinary Association of Namibia and the current President of the Namibian Veterinary Council. He is also a member of the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC) and chairman of the Veterinary Medicines Committee of the NMRC.

Dr Hassel first became involved with rabies in kudu during the initial outbreak during the late 1970’s. He conducted some research and published a number of articles on the subject in scientific journals. It is due to his previous experience as well as his continued personal interest in the rabies problem in kudu that he was recently tasked by the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) to draw up a project proposal for further research into the matter and the development of a possible control measure.

From 1977 to 1986 it is estimated that between 30 000 to 50 000 kudus (20 to 40% of the total population) died from rabies (Schneider, HP. 1994 and Hassel, R.H 1982). Studies further revealed that rabies in kudu occurs in cycles in areas with dense kudu population, starting in central Namibia then spreading northwards to all the major habitats of kudu, including the Etosha National Park.

In an effort to investigate the control of rabies, the platform offered by Agra ProVision will see stakeholders in the agricultural and wildlife sectors coming together to discuss the way forward and how best to raise funds for the proposed research and control program.

Agra ProVision offers the breakfast sessions every 2-3 months to facilitate networking and brainstorming among individuals from various sectors in Government and the private sector on topics affecting the agricultural industry. These interactive breakfast sessions are open for invited guests only, but members of the public are welcome to declare their interest to participate at such events.

To add your name to our invitation list please contact Marieta Grobler 061 – 290 9208