SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2020
Introduction
2 Cases in March
1 Poaching Case
1 Elephant Case
March Report by Dr. Bernard Rono This report describes activities carried out by the Meru veterinary unit operating in northern Kenya in March 2020. In Meru park, we examined a debilitated elephant bull to determine the cause of recumbency and administered prophylactic treatment against trypanosome infection in a tracker security dog. Acknowledgement The Meru veterinary unit is supported by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which provides financial and logistical support. We also acknowledge support of KWS management and rangers in the field who monitor wildlife and report cases for treatment.
Case Details Date
17-Mar-20
30-Mar-20
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Elephant
Meru National Park
Arrow
Canine
Meru National Park
Technical Case
It had a penetrating wound proximal to the right elbow which exuded pus, approximately 15 cm deep on probing with forceps Routine examination of a tracker dog in Meru national park to assess its health and fitness
Outcome Poaching Death Task Successful
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations March 2020
. Case
1 – 17th March 2020
Elephant
Arrow
Meru National Park
On the 17th March an elephant bull was found recumbent within the Rhino Sanctuary in Meru National Park by the pilot during morning patrol. Rangers on foot patrol who visited the scene reported that the elephant had a wound with pus on its right elbow and it was debilitated, unable to stand even when approached. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant appeared to have struggled at the scene for several hours. It was dehydrated, exhausted and had a low body score. It had a long-standing deformity on its neck caused by trauma with a healing wound. It had a penetrating wound proximal to the right elbow which exuded pus and was approximately 15cm deep on probing with forceps. It was diagnosed with septicaemia and circulatory failure. The wound appeared to have been inflicted using a poisoned arrow and penetrated into the elbow joint. Prognosis Efforts to assist the elephant to stand using a vehicle were not successful. Evaluation revealed a poor prognosis for recovery and we recommended of euthanasia. Post-mortem showed skeletal muscle necrosis and elbow joint arthritis. Both tusks were retrieved and stored by the company commander.
Case 2 – 30th March 2020 Tracker Dog
Technical Case
Meru National Park
The Vet Unit carried out routine examination of a tracker dog in Meru National Park to assess its health and fitness. All vital parameters were within normal limits and the dog was judged healthy. TriquinÂŽ, a prophylactic treatment for trypanosomiasis was administered 1ml subcutaneously. Whereas wildlife are tolerant to this parasite, which is endemic in the park, livestock and dogs are highly susceptible. The drugs are given quarterly to prevent infection. No pictures are available.