Answer to Question #314101 in History for Hope

Question

What was the most prominent animal disease that affected South Africa in the late 19th century

Answer 1

Devastating epizootics of rinderpest occurred across South Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries, and a massive epizootic spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa in the late 19th century (1887–97), decimating populations of cattle and certain wildlife.

Early in February 1896, large numbers of cattle and game were reported to be dying from an obscure disease on both sides of the Zambesi River. On March 3rd it reached Bulawayo, where Gray made a diagnosis of rinderpest. From there the plague was rapidly conveyed southwards by means of transport oxen.