SWT/KWS AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2020
Introduction
4 Cases in March
1 Giraffe Case
3 Elephant Cases
March Report by Dr. Edward Kariuki During March 2020, SCA-Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit (SCA-AMVU) attended to four cases that required veterinary intervention. The cases included three male elephants, and a giraffe. Post-mortems were conducted on two elephant carcasses to determine the cause of death. In both, the cause was natural and non-infectious. An elephant bull reported lame at Amboseli National Park could not be darted. The bull manifested with a high stepping gait and seemed tipsy. The condition is rather common in the park after the rains and recurs after every wet season. It is possible the tipsy syndrome in elephants could be due to some food resource found around Olgulului Group Ranch or in the adjacent Tanzania habitat. Acknowledgement We thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for material support and Mobile Unit funding. KWS rangers at Amboseli National Parks, Big life Foundation, Tawi lodge staff for logistical support and security. All people who supported monitoring of distressed animals in all areas of interest.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
28-Mar-20
Elephant
Amboseli National Park
Postmortem
28-Mar-20
Elephant
Kitirua, Amboseli
Natural Causes
28-Mar-20
Giraffe
Tawi Conservancy
Postmortem
Died from problems giving birth; the calf was stuck in the birth canal
Died
Elephant
Kari Farm, Chyulu's
Postmortem
The carcass was bloated and relatively decomposed. No external wound or foreign body was found on the body surfaces
Died
31-Mar-20
Reason for Intervention The carcass was heavily bloated with no indication of discharge from any external orifice Seemed to have a back problem but was well fixed in his steps unlike what would occur in a normal spinal problem that would affect nerves
Outcome Died
Task Successful
SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations March 2020
. Case
1 – 28th March 2020
Elephant
Post-mortem
Amboseli National Park
KWS management at Amboseli reported the dead elephant after a patrol in the park. The AMVU team prepared for a necropsy and drove to the location. General Examination The carcass was located in an open grassland near the road leading to Boma 1. The elephant had no external injuries and was relatively fresh (one day old Carcass). The tusks were removed and in KWS custody. The carcass was heavily bloated and no indication of discharges from any external orifice. Cause of Death Natural. No clear lesions to incriminate a specific disease.
Case 2 – 28th March 2020 Elephant
Natural Causes
Kitirua, Amboseli
After completing the post-mortem, the Vet Unit responded to a report of an injured elephant. After locating the elephant, AMVU team drove it from the dense grassland and observed it to see if it required treatment. The elephant was wobbly and had high stepping gait. General Examination The situation was different from the reported lameness. The bull seemed to have a back problem but was well fixed in his steps unlike what would occur in a normal spinal problem that would affect nerves. The Unit observed the elephant for a while and it appeared that the elephant suffered a tipsy like syndrome. Prognosis The elephant was not darted and observation will continue for follow-up. The bull remained in good appetite and had no signs of pain or distress. Prognosis was determined as good.
Case 3 – 28th March 2020 Giraffe
Post-mortem
Tawi Conservancy, Amboseli
The management of Tawi lodge, in Tawi Conservancy adjacent to Amboseli National Park reported a dead giraffe near the lodge main gate on 28th March 2020. General Examination The giraffe carcass was relatively fresh and bloated. A calf was found in the rear reproductive pathway and protruding out from the vaginal orifice. Cause of Death Complications whilst giving birth.
Case 4 – 31st March 2020 Elephant
Post-mortem
Kari Ranch, Chyulu Hills
KWS management at Mukururo base reported the dead elephant near Makindu in Kari Ranch. The AMVU team prepared for a necropsy and drove to the location. General Examination The elephant was located in an open area near the road in the livestock invaded Kari Ranch. The elephant carcass was bloated and relatively decomposed. No external wound or foreign body was found on the body surfaces. The carcass was heavily infested with ticks, which could help explain a likelihood of lowered immunity before death. Cause of Death Natural; presumably, lowered immunity led to a secondary infection.