Two giraffes at Kruger National Park in South Africa are displaying extensive skin lesions, raising concerns among wildlife experts. These lesions, which give the giraffes a bumpy appearance, are suspected to be caused by bovine papillomavirus (BPV) or Giraffa camelopardalis papillomavirus 1 (GcPV1). Wildlife photographer Marius Nortje first reported the condition, sparking interest and investigation into this rare occurrence.
BPV is a common virus in cattle but is known to occasionally infect other species such as giraffes, antelopes, and zebras. The lesions on the affected giraffes are scaly and can spread over time, sometimes merging into larger masses. This condition bears resemblance to lesions seen in horses infected with BPV back in 2007. According to DNA analysis, BPV was detected in the lesions of the giraffe in question.
Veterinarians are closely monitoring the situation, with Gemma Campling, head veterinarian and CEO of Worldwide Vets, providing insights into the case. She explained that the new lesions begin as a thickened plaque on the skin.
"New lesions begin as a thickened plaque on the skin," – Campling
The lumps grow and rupture, leaving raw, ulcerated areas that scab, making it easier for the disease to spread due to broken skin.
"The lumps grow and rupture, leaving a raw, ulcerated area that scabs. This makes it easier for the disease to spread as the skin is already broken." – Campling
Despite the alarming appearance of these lesions, experts note that the condition is not spreading rapidly. Therefore, there are no current plans to euthanize the giraffe. Campling stated that the giraffe is likely to live out a normal lifespan despite its condition.
"This means the giraffe is likely to live out a normal lifespan despite its condition," – Campling
The spread of the infection may be linked to fomites — objects or materials capable of carrying infection — rather than direct contact between giraffes.
"Generally giraffes don't have much direct physical contact with one another, so it is more likely that fomites are responsible for spread," – Campling
Oxpecker birds and ticks could play a role in transmitting the virus. Oxpeckers, which feed on parasites like ticks within the skin of animals, may inadvertently spread BPV by moving from one animal to another throughout the day.
"Oxpecker birds remove parasites, like ticks, buried deep within the skin of animals, and the birds also sometimes eat ungulates' raw tissue (ungulates are hooved animals like giraffes). They 'hop quickly from animal to animal through the day, and can cover large distances thus potentially spreading the virus quickly, as they are contaminated with blood from many hosts on their beaks," – Campling
Veterinarians at Kruger National Park are aware of the disease and have chosen not to intervene aggressively at this stage due to the pathogen's known nature and slow rate of spread.
"Rangers and vets are aware of the disease and have elected not to euthanize it right now, because the pathogen is known, and is not spreading very fast," – Campling
