SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit - January 2019

SWT/KWS MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JANUARY 2019

Introduction

2 Cases in January

1 HWC Case

1 Lion Case

January Report by Dr. Campaign Limo The Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit resumed work towards the end of January. The month saw some scattered showers which contributed to green plains and there was an abundance of water available to the wildlife. Many elephant herds have been seen throughout the Masai Mara National Reserve with plenty of food and water. However, there was a sad incident within the ecosystem which involved the loss of 22 vultures and a hyena. The vultures were reported to have scavenged on the hyena. This was a suspected poisoning incident and samples have been submitted to the government chemist for analysis.

Acknowledgement The Mobile Veterinary Unit would like to give appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who have contributed in one way or another towards saving wildlife in the ecosystem during the period. Thanks to Minara Foundation through SWT for their facilitation to the unit. Thanks to KWS Management for their technical support to the unit.

Case Details Date

Species

Area Found

26-Jan-19

Lion

Mara Triangle

27-Jan-19

Vulture

Masai Mara

27-Jan-19

Vulture

Masai Mara

27-Jan-19

Hyena

Masai Mara

Reason for Intervention Natural Causes Human Wildlife Conflict Human Wildlife Conflict Human Wildlife Conflict

Outcome

Multiple bite wounds sustained from suspected territorial fights

Successfully Treated

22 adult vultures of different species died after scavenging on a poisoned hyena

HWC Death

22 vultures had been seen scavenging on a spotted hyena. 4 vultures found alive and treated

Successfully Treated

A hyena died mysteriously, resulting in the death of 22 vultures - suspected poisoning

HWC Death

KWS/SWT Masai Mara Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations January 2019

Case 1 – 26th January 2019 Lion

Natural Cause

Mara Triangle, Masai Mara NR

This young male estimated to be two and half years was seen alone with injuries by Mara Triangle Conservancy rangers on patrol. They requested the services of the Mobile Veterinary Unit for assessment and treatment. The lion was traced to a small thicket, alone and seemingly in pain. When agitated, he reluctantly stood and made minimal movements. He had visible injuries sustained from attack by other lions.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lion was darted from a vehicle, then moved into a shaded area. The initial examination revealed relatively fresh, multiple bite wounds sustained from suspected territorial fights. The injuries appeared relatively fresh. All the wounds were cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swabs then disinfected with tincture of Iodine and lastly Cloxacillin ointment was infused to counter sepsis.

The vet also administered Amoxicillin antibiotic, Anti-inflammatories as well as an Ivomectin parasiticide which will get rid of internal and external parasites including potential maggot infestation.

Prognosis The lion was successfully revived and prognosis for full recovery is good.

Case 2 – 27th January 2019 Vultures/ Hyena

HWC - Poisoning

Olare Motorogi Conservancy

A report was made to Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit by Olare Motorogi Conservancy management on the afternoon of 27th January 2019 that a number of vultures had died within the conservancy off Talek – Aitong road. They further reported that the affected vultures had been seen scavenging on a spotted hyena that had died mysteriously at the same location. All vultures died within a radius of ten meters from the hyena carcass.

General Observation The following were the findings at the site: All the vultures and the spotted hyena carcasses had been destroyed through burning by the first responders. It was reported that 22 adult vultures of different species had died after scavenging on the hyena that had died that morning. Four vultures were found unable to fly with signs of lethargy, diarrhoea, laboured breathing and drooping heads.

One of them had a visibly distended crop while the rest appeared to have emptied their crops.

Based on history and the picture of clinical signs, poisoning was considered as a major differential with the following treatments being administered to each vulture: Atropine sulphate 0.5mgs given intramuscularly once every 40 minutes Dexamethasone sodium 1.5mgs given once intramuscularly 40mls of 10% dextrose given subcutaneously Two of the vultures (A lappet faced and Hooded vulture) recovered instantly and flew away with the remaining two (Lappet faced and Rueppell’s griffon) being transferred to KWS Mara Research station for further observation and management.

Conclusion and Way Forward • The pattern of deaths and clinical signs displayed highly suggest a case of poisoning • Quick destruction of carcasses by burning denied the attending team opportunity to collect adequate samples, however one vulture had its engorged crop massaged and regurgitates collected as samples for toxicological analysis.

• Only part of the hyena intestines were salvaged as the whole carcass had been burned.

Pieces of intestinal tissue had been left behind and was collected as part of the sample for analysis.

• Rangers were advised to comb the area and collect any carcass for proper disposal to avoid potential secondary and tertiary poisonings. Any sick looking bird to be identified and reported to the relevant teams for attention. The rangers were also advised to be vigilant as it is possible to have more deaths over the next few days or even weeks.

The two vultures recovered fully and were released after two days of treatment and observation.

Report by Dr. Campaign Limo