Some R250 000 has been raised so far and an additional R250 000 pledged for the cause.
Dr Rainer Hassel, Agra agribusiness’ technical advisor for animal health said the research has become vitally important to save the Namibian kudu.
The outbreak that started in 2001 is the second since the 1970s. “Thousands of kudu were killed in both epidemics. It occurs mainly on the central region and northern parts of central region of Namibia.
“Indications are that the rabies virus underwent fine genetic changes ensuring that it is maintained in the Namibian kudu population,” said Hassel.
* Potential donors can contact the Namibian Agricultural Union on 264 (61) 237 838 or [email protected].