The buffalo on Kariega Game Reserve has been notably elusive over the past few weeks. After many rainy mornings spent searching for them, the Kariega volunteers finally had a great sighting. African savanna buffalo have a life span of approximately 22 years and are known carriers of various diseases, for example bovine tuberculosis (TB) and foot-and-mouth disease. However, the Eastern Cape occurs below the veterinary red line and is one of the few places where disease free buffalo can still breed naturally, making them extremely valuable. The red line is an imaginary corridor below the Kruger National Park which spans the width of South Africa, through which the movement of animals and animal products are restricted in order to control disease spread.
Read about veterinary work experience.