Four hand-reared, naïve roan antelope 6 months of age were exposed to naturally infected pasture on a game farm in Mpumalanga where roan are known to die from theileriosis. The predominant ticks parasitising these animals at this time (during the months of January and February) were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and R. evertsi evertsi adults. After a period of 5 weeks the animals developed signs of clinical theileriosis, characterized by anorectal lymphadenomegaly, shortly followed by pyrexia and generalised peripheral lymphadenomegaly. Around the time of pyrexia, peripheral blood smears showed severe mononuclear leukocytosis, with some leukocytes containing cytoplasmic theilerial schizonts (Koch’s bodies). This was followed by erythrocytic piroplasmaemia. Animals were treated successfully using buparvaquone. Primary hyperplasia of the local draining lymph nodes (Lnn. anorectales) of adult R. e. evertsi feeding sites indicated vector status of theileriosis for this tick species. After recovery from theileriosis, these animals were confirmed carriers of Theileria sp. (sable) by PCR and DNA probe analysis. Laboratory-bred larvae and nymphae of R. e. evertsi and R. appendiculatus respectively were fed on the ears of these roan antelope, now known to be carriers. Engorged nymphae were recovered from the roan. A cryopreserved stabilate was produced from each species, using an adapted protocol for Theileria parva tick stabilate preparation. Both stabilates were tested for infectivity in T. sp. (sable) negative (PCR analysis) roan antelope calves that were intensively hand reared under tick-free conditions. The stabilate derived from R. e. evertsi induced clinical theileriosis at doses between 5 and 60 tick equivalents per calf. The R. appendiculatus stabilate did not induce clinical disease or infection; the calves remained PCR negative throughout the trial period. The calves that survived the R. e. evertsi stabilate trial showed no clinical reaction to field exposure, in contrast to the controls and R. appendiculatus stabilate inoculated calves which all exhibited clinical theileriosis The stabilate has the potential to be used as the infection source in an infection and treatment method of immunising roan antelope against theileriosis. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

Roan antelope numbers have declined drastically over the last 30 years in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Various hypotheses have been tested and suggested as reasons for their sharp decline. A change in habitat structure and nutrient deficiencies were among the factors considered for their population decline. The aim of this research was to study the influence of habitat structure on habitat selection in the absence of predators by two separate roan populations in predator-proof enclosures on the northern plains of the KNP. Seasonal variations in the nitrogen, macro-and micronutrient concentrations of the preferred grass species in every enclosure were determined. Faecal samples were collected and pooled seasonally in order to link nutrient concentrations in faeces with that in grass. Water and soil samples were also collected and analysed. The nutrient concentrations of grass and faeces in the wet-and dry season were compared with nutrient concentrations collected similarly from a roan antelope population at Vaalbos National Park, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Where possible, serum samples were also collected and analysed for macro-and micronutrient concentrations. Results indicated that roan antelope disregard habitat structure in the selection of vegetation type or foraging areas in the absence of predators. This behaviour may jeopardise survival if captive bred roan are released to supplement free roaming roan populations in the KNP since previous studies indicated that free roaming roan antelope in the KNP prefer lightly wooded areas with a fairly high visibility. Results from grass, faecal and serum analyses indicated that some nutrient deficiencies might occur in each of the populations studied during specific times of the year and especially in animals in nutrient challenging production phases. Results suggested a possible induced copper deficiency in roan at N'washitsumbe in the KNP, mainly from a Cu-Mo-S interaction. Wet season faecal nitrogen levels of roan at N'washitsumbe was marginal to deficient and that of the Graspan population at Vaalbos National Park was marginal. Phosphorus levels of all the populations were sufficient in faeces despite low dietary intakes. Results were compared with faecal and serum nutrient levels of supplemented roan and sable antelope at Sable Ranch, Northwest Province, South Africa. In general, supplemented roan and sable antelope had a significantly higher nutrient status than un-supplemented populations. Significant species and gender differences in serum and faecal nutrient concentrations were identified in supplemented animals at Sable Ranch. Copyright / Dissertation (MScAgric)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

The roan antelope Hippotragus equinus equinus, is listed as endangered in the South African Red Data Book. A herd of nine roan were introduced to Weenen Nature Reserve (WNR) in 1988. The herd has since increased to sixteen animals. The aim of the study was to determine those habitat characteristics which influenced the preference or avoidance of the habitat types available at WNR. The extent to which the antelope's occurrence was correlated with certain habitat elements was determined. The roan preferred open woodland on gently undulating terrain. Themeda triandra was found to be the most common grass species in the diet of the roan. Cauline grass species such as Hyparrhenia spp. were avoided in the dry season. Dicots assumed greater importance in the diet in the dry season. Several management practices employed at the reserve were assessed to determine their influence on habitat use by the roan. These practices were not found to be incompatible with the goal of conserving roan antelope in the reserve. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1995.

Theileria species (sable) causes significant mortalities in roan (Hippotragus equinus), and to a lesser extent, sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) yearly. Treatment of the condition and an ‘infect and treat’ vaccination method using a tick-derived stabilate both rely on the availability of buparvaquone, a naphthoquinone with anti-theilerial activity. As buparvaquone is a controlled drug which is not commercially available in South Africa, a viable commercial alternative prevention or treatment method is necessary to control this disease. This study explores the effectiveness of an alternative vaccination method using Theileria sp. (sable) infected in vitro cultured leukoblasts. A Theileria sp. (sable) containing cell line was initiated from lymph node biopsy material of an infected roan antelope and the parasite was successfully propagated in vitro. Attenuation is believed to have been achieved by 16 cycles of passage. Real time PCR suggests that the parasite was successfully transmitted via subcutaneous inoculation with this cell line to two naïve roan antelope. These two inoculated animals remained clinically unaffected by challenge with a tick stabilate used in the ‘infect and treat’ vaccination method. In contrast, the two unvaccinated control animals became clinically ill and required buparvaquone treatment after challenge. This pilot study provides enough evidence to encourage further investigation in the use of Theileria sp. (sable) infected cells as a potential vaccine. A field study involving more animals which are challenged by natural infection after inoculation is the proposed next step. / Dissertation (MMedVet)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted