Surveillance for Hemorrhagic Septicemia in Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) as an Aid to Range Expansion of the Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia

A low prevalence (1.8%) of antibodies to Pasteurella multocida, the bacterium causing hemorrhagic septicemia (HS), was detected in water buffalo adjacent to Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP), indicating a limited but present risk to the endangered Javan rhinoceros population. The study, conducted between 2012 and 2013, analyzed samples from 770 buffalo across 19 villages, finding no active bacterial infections but identifying potential risk factors linked to husbandry practices, such as lack of permanent housing, poor body condition, and grazing inside the park. These findings suggest that while HS is not widespread in Banten Province, targeted surveillance and preventative measures could mitigate risks to both buffalo livelihoods and rhinoceros conservation efforts aimed at expanding their range beyond UKNP.

Khairani, K. O., Nydam, D., Felippe, M. J., McDonough, P., Barry, J., Mahmud, R., Haryono, M., & Radcliffe, R. W. (2018). SURVEILLANCE FOR HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA IN BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS) AS AN AID TO RANGE EXPANSION OF THE JAVAN RHINOCEROS (RHINOCEROS SONDAICUS) IN UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 54(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.7589/2015-07-183