SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2021
Introduction
8 Cases in March
2 HWC Cases
62 % Success
March Report by Dr. Ndambiri Ephantus The month under review has been dry, hot and dusty. The abundant seasonal green vegetation has now changed into dry browse for the wild animals. Substantial volumes of waters are being witnessed in rivers entering park thus enough water is available. The north eastern side of Kenya continue to struggle through a severe drought. It is during this time that mange infestation is usually observed in reticulated giraffes. This time one death was reported to have occurred in Wajir South and prompted disease surveillance. Acknowledgement We would like to thank The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the partners for enormous sponsorship offered to the Vet Unit to help it achieve its mandate of offering timely intervention aimed at alleviating wildlife sufferings. We also commend all other conservation partners encountered during the above interventions. You were of great help. We are optimistic that same efforts will prevail even in times ahead. God bless all.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
12-Mar-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
The young male was reported to have a swelling on the right side of the face
Successfully Treated
12-Mar-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
A male called Kalama had loose stool
Successfully Treated
17-Mar-21
Giraffe
Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy
Postmortem
20-Mar-21
Ostrich
Wajir South
Technical Case
Reason for Intervention
20-Mar-21
Lion
Wajir South
Human Wildlife Conflict
20-Mar-21
Gerenuk
Wajir South
Rescue
21-Mar-21
Goat
Wajir South
Human Wildlife Conflict
Elephant
Meru National Park
Postmortem
26-Mar-21
Lesions were seen around the mouth, on the ears, armpit area, under the belly and extending to the flank sides, the groin, the knee folds, perineal area and the tail base The team came across a town where there was a sub-adult male Somali ostrich in a boma. They had rescued it when it was small and reared it Lioness’ pride had been killing livestock and so a retaliation followed, the community poisoned a bait possibly using Ivermectin The residents rescued a young Gerenuk from the road had been attacked by a hyena, about 3 days before, that left a wound on the perineal area. The said goat was pregnant The carcass was found floating in the Rojowero River. It was established and confirmed to be a young elephant calf
Outcome
Died
Task Successful
HWC Death Task Successful Successfully Treated Died
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations March 2021
Case 1 – 12th March 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The young male was reported to have a swelling on the right side of the face. It had been previously been treated in December for the same condition. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The animal was immobilized from foot with 1.5mg Etorphine and 15mg Azaperone. Oxygen was supplied through a nasal tube and as the animal was young the anaesthetic was reversed using 6mg Diprenorphine and manually restrained. The swelling was an abscess that had already busted. There was a significant amount of pus and there was matting of the hair as the pus leaked onto the area causing crusts to form. Since the abscess had already burst and created a significant opening, the pus was squeezed out and drained from the area until it was completely empty then lavaged with Hydrogen peroxide. Once we were sure that the area had been fully cleaned it was disinfected with Iodine then packed with Amoxicillin. this would assist with fighting the local infection at the site. The bongo was also administered with 8ml Multivitamin , 6mg Dexamethasone, 1,200mg Amoxicillin and a subcutaneous injection of 60mg Ivermectin (Noromectin 1%). Prognosis The conditions origin should be investigated as the incidences have increased, especially in younger bongos.
Case 2 – 12th March 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The keepers noted that there a male bongo, Kalama, had loose stool. He was active, feeding well and had a good body condition despite the change in stool Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was calm and hiding within some bushes near the feeding trough area. He was immobilised from foot with 6mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone. The animal was startled and ran off into the bushes, he was followed on foot through the bushes until where he exited into an open field. He was immediately blindfolded and since he was heating up, water was poured over the body to assist in cooling the body. The bongo was diagnosed with a worm infestation and was treated with intramuscular injections of 20ml Introvit-E-Selen (Composed of Vitamin E, α tocopherol acetate 50mg and Sodium selenite 0.5mg), 500mg Enrofloxacin and a subcutaneous injection of 40mg Ivermectin. 20ml Bayticol was poured from the neck down the spine to the tail base. The pour on would spread to the rest of the body and protect the body from external parasites such as ticks and fleas. Prognosis The bongos were all due for de-worming which should be done more regularly otherwise prognosis is good.
Case 3 – 17th March 2021 Giraffe
Post-mortem
Sabuli Conservancy
Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy (SWC) is a Community Based Organization (CBO) founded in 2018 to mitigate and minimize the occurrences of human-wildlife conflict by providing critical conservation programming in conjunction with the provision of essential humanitarian, development and peacebuilding services. It is situated along Habaswein-Dadaab road in Northern Eastern region. The Meru Mobile Vet Unit team received an image on the 16th of March, posted by Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy showing a dead giraffe that had died from an unknown disease. A directive to investigate the cause of death in the giraffe was made by Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Mr. Najib Balala. General Observation The carcass of the young female giraffe was found near the Sabuli watering hole, and had been dragged to the side to remove the carcass from the public eye. The carcass presented with heavy cast patches on the body. Lesions were seen around the mouth, on the ears, armpit area, under the belly and extending to the flanks, the groin, the knee folds, perineal area and the tail base. The carcass had undergone some post-mortem changes but on general examination looked to have had fair body condition. Skin samples were collected from various affected sites ensuring that the samples collected was close to the skin to avoid sampling a cast that wouldn’t yield results. The samples included one preserved in formalin for histopathology, another in ethanol and another in potassium hydroxide for digestion and mite identification. After collecting samples, the carcass was disposed of by burning so as to ensure that the disease would not spread as well as to prevent maggot infestation and flies that could also be possible vector for disease spread. While traveling to the Conservancy the team came across a carcass that had similar lesions. However, it was not within the Conservation Area. The carcass was also found besides a watering hole. It had undergone extensive desiccation due to being exposed to the hot sun and dry winds. The skin had similar lesions around the mouth, on the ears, armpit area, under the belly and extending to the flanks, the groin, the knee folds, perineal area and the tail base. Similar Samples were also collected from this carcass.
Disease Surveillance Disease surveillance and examination of the reticulated giraffe live population was then carried out for the next few days. This was important to ensure the health status of the remaining animals and provide further information and evidence on the disease condition. A total of 17 giraffe were spotted, mixed ages and both genders, and they were all healthy and in good body condition exhibiting body condition of 3 out of best 5. They did not present with any skin lesions, injuries or abnormalities of concern. Disease surveillance and monitoring continued in a different area of the Sabuli Conservancy under the direction of the guides. A total of 12 giraffe were spotted, mixed ages and both genders, all in good health with good body condition, browsing with no difficulty as others hid in the shade of the trees. They did not present with any skin lesions, injuries or abnormalities of concern. The next day, a further 6 giraffes were sighted, also mixed ages/genders in good health and body condition with no lesions, injuries or abnormalities. Both environments in which all the giraffes were in, were dry with very scarce amount of food and water sources that were long distances apart and, in some cases, shared between the community and livestock. There were no domestic animals affected which was confirmed by the County Veterinary Officer and Area Chief. Other wild animals observed included silverback jackals, warthogs and gerenuks. Conditions causing skin lesions are; mange, papillomatosis, dermatophilosis and giraffe skin disease.
Discussion The environmental conditions are very tough and seem to have affected younger giraffes, juvenile and subadults, that had not fully developed their immunity. The vulnerability caused by poor nutrition leading to a lowered immunity status is what predisposed the animals to the disease. Presentation of the lesions in terms of appearance, location and factors surrounding the case led to a tentative diagnosis that the condition was most likely mange caused by mites. The lesions seen especially around the mouth would cause the animal a great deal of discomfort and in turn feeding was affected. With poor feeding and the current harsh conditions, the giraffe most likely died of starvation. Samples collected would help further understand the pathogenesis of the disease and where possible isolate and identify the mite causing disease.
Recommendation and Conclusion Since the disease is largely seasonal, a research on the predisposing factors, pathogenesis of disease, any link to the genetics of the said giraffe in the area as well as how to prevent the disease would go a long way in curbing the occurrence and reducing the incidence rate. Comparative analysis can also be done using the livestock in the area, camels, donkeys or cows, so as to see it corelation with the ecosystem. A total of 35 giraffes were observed, all in good health and body condition with no signs of the skin lesions. Death was limited to the one carcass within the Conservancy and the other incidental finding along the way. This was indicative that the disease incidence is low and periodical. Risk Factors include but not limited to; •
Prolonged dry period which eventually results in:
• •
▪ -Scarcity of browse/forage ▪ Scarcity of drinking water ▪ Poor health hence weak immunity Young age thus poorly developed immune system Scab formation and encrustations on lips making apprehension difficult
•
Skin lesions at the armpits, groins, underbelly and perineum areas make ambulation difficult thus, the affected animal cannot walk long distances to look for scarce water and browse
The Conservancy team was encouraged to do further extensive surveillance and report any case followed by good images so as to be able to respond before the fatality of the animals. The following is the way forward: • • • • • • •
Prompt and timely reporting to be encouraged so that necessary action to be initiated well in time. Recording of the condition and carcasses’ locations be documented for ease of surveillance Liaison with local veterinary department is highly recommended Creation of awareness through animal welfare education and disease reporting. This will diffuse fears and anxiety amongst the local pastoralists as to the wellness of their herds Census to be done to establish the population of reticulated giraffes within the area Need to adopt and deploy monitoring aids such as collaring so that giraffe ranges can be established and documented within the ecosystem. A research assistant/technologist to be posted in the region permanently or strategically during the expected active disease period to help in monitoring and reporting i.e. surveillance
Case 4 – 20th March 2021 Ostrich
Technical Case
Wajir South
During the disease surveillance of the giraffes the team came across a town where there was a sub-adult male Somali ostrich in a boma.
General Observation The owners of the boma had rescued the young male when it was small and reared it. The Vet Unit examined the ostrich to sure its welfare. The male was healthy with a good body condition of 3 out of 5. The feathers and overall health were good and the ostrich would grow to be a large strong male. It had a few friction marks on the legs of which it was explained that they would tie him up especially in the evenings because he would walk very far off. The KWS Wajir team was aware of it being there.
Case 5 – 20th March 2021 Lion
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Wajir South
On the 20th March 2021, the team received information that a lioness had been poisoned and killed by the community.
General Observation The pride that the lioness was a member of, had been killing livestock and so a retaliation followed; the community poisoned a bait possibly using Ivermectin as reported by one of the community scouts. The lioness lost its eyesight and was not able to move well. the community found her alongside the road in which they killed her and then burnt the carcass. On arrival the carcass was not completely burnt but identification showed that it was a lioness. While surveying the area, a fresh goat carcass was seen and lion spoors seen around the area. The lions have become a problem since they have been predating on livestock and if not delt with then the community will result to killing more of them. Cause of Death Poisoning followed by human malice – though exact means as what the community used after she lost her eyesight was undetermined.
Case 6 – 20th March 2021 Gerenuk
Rescue
Wajir South
After the lioness carcass the team passed through a town called Dalsan where one of the residents had rescued a young Gerenuk from the road
Rescue The team decided to take the calf in and nurse her. The Sabuli Conservancy guides were tasked to take care of the young calf. She was given a bit of water and then a herd of goats was located and they attempted to nurse the infant on one of the female goats and she took in a substantial amount. Prognosis As long as she continues to feed the prognosis is good. The Wajir team were tasked to continue checking in to see the progress, health and condition of the gerenuk.
Case 7 – 21st March 2021 Goat
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Wajir South
In the night of the 20th of March 2021, a resident of Sabuli community reported that his goat had been attacked by a hyena, about 3 days before, wounding the perineal area. The goat was pregnant and the wound was of concern.
Examination and treatment On examination, the wound had already started healing with scab formation. The anal opening as well as the vulvar lips were still intact and functioning normally. There was hanging flesh however, which was necrotic making suturing impossible due to the fact that the wound was contaminated. Aside from that there was not enough viable tissue for suturing without causing a lot of tension in the already high-tension area. The wound was washed with 6% Hydrogen peroxide to remove dead tissue, pus and debris from the wound, taking care not to touch the vulvar lips. Once it was debrided then it was disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline (Alamycin). A layer of healing clay was applied to help dry the wound and protect it from the elements allowing for proper healing. The owner was already administering Pen Strep injectable once every three days which was satisfactory, so the only drug administered was 8ml of Catosal. Prognosis The owner was shown the process and given the wound washing tools so as to continue with wound care.
Case 8 – 26th March 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Meru National Park
The Veterinary Team received a report that there was an elephant carcass seen near the number 28 road mark. The report was received in the evening and the team immediately rushed to the site so as to ensure that undertaking a post-mortem would be possible before any predators could scavenge the carcass and to maximize on the daylight.
Examination and treatment The carcass was found floating near the crossing bridge of the Rojowero River. The team ensured there were no crocodiles in the water (by scanning and throwing rocks) then waded in to secure the carcass with a rope so the car could pull the carcass out. The carcass was a young bull calf, that still had a lot of hair on the skin, seen in very young elephants. Post-mortem changes put time of death at less than 24hours. The skin was still intact and was not decomposing. It was evident that the elephant had been attacked prior to the death. Large amounts of the abdomen and internal organs had been bitten off, this gave the body and abdomen a sunken look and contributed to the fact that the body was not bloated as there was a large communicating wound. The trunk had bite wounds and the edges of the ear also appeared to have been torn off. Cause of Death The elephant was likely attacked by a hyena and in the process of trying to escape, it fell into the river. A combination of the wounds sustained as well as the immersion in the water led to death of the elephant.