Experiences in the establishment of a herd of foot -and-mouth disease free African buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a true maintenance host of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) Because of cattle owners' agitation for the eradication of buffalo from farming areas, and at the same time recognizing the sporting and aesthetic value of this species, a nucleus herd of FMDV free buffalo was established. This was achieved by capturing suckling calves, which were found to be protected by maternal antibodies, and to have no carrier virus. At 10 months of age, antibody had waned and all calves became susceptible to FMDV as indicated by the absence of serum neutralizing antibody titres.