SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Report for February 2025
FEBRUARY 2025
3 Cases in February 1 HWC Cases
February Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan
February remained dry, with the scorching sun intensifying across the Meru ecosystem. The vegetation had lost its lush green colour, with some areas appearing barren while most water pans had dried up, limiting water access for wildlife.
In February, the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit responded to 3 cases. In Meru National Park, the veterinarian advised the rhino monitoring team to closely monitor an elderly male black rhino that had sustained fight wounds, though his prognosis for recovery was favourable. Additionally, the veterinarian administered the annual vaccinations to a Meru Rhino Security dog and conducted a post-mortem on a poisoned vulture.
Furthermore, the veterinarian attended the Interventions for Wildlife Animal Health (IWAH) international course in 2025 at WRTI headquarters in Naivasha.
Acknowledgement
We sincerely appreciate the generous and ongoing support of Sylvie Chantecaille and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in funding the operations of the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit within the Meru ecosystem. Their invaluable contribution plays a critical role in safeguarding the health and welfare of wildlife in this vital conservation area.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kenya Wildlife Service for its strong managerial oversight, particularly through the KWS Head of Veterinary Services and the Senior Assistant Director of the Eastern Conservation Area. Their dedication and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in ensuring the success and long-term sustainability of our conservation initiatives.
Additionally, we are deeply grateful to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife – Giraffe Centre for sponsoring the veterinary officer to participate in the 2025 IWAH course in Naivasha.
Case Details
February 2025
Case 1 – 1st February 2025
Security Dog Technical Case
Meru National Park
Security dogs play a critical role in wildlife conservation within Meru National Park by tracking poachers and detecting illegal activities across the ecosystem. Despite their invaluable contributions to anti-poaching efforts, these dogs are vulnerable to several diseases, including canine distemper, rabies, and trypanosomiasis a highly fatal disease transmitted by tsetse flies. To protect their health and ensure their continued effectiveness, the Meru Veterinary Team took proactive measures by vaccinating Sep, a security dog stationed at the Meru Canine Unit.
Examination and treatment
The dog was introduced to the veterinarian beforehand to minimize excitement during the examination. A physical assessment revealed that he was in good body condition (3/4), active, and alert. His body weight was recorded at 27.8 kgs and drug dosages were calculated accordingly.
For safety, he was manually restrained before administering 0.8mls Triquin (a combination of Quinapyramine sulphate and Quinapyramine chloride) subcutaneously on the left side of the neck. Additionally, full vials of rabies and DHLP vaccines were administered subcutaneously on the dorsal side of the neck. No adverse reactions were observed following drug administration, indicating a good prognosis for recovery.
Case 2 – 12th February 2025
Black Rhino Natural Causes
Meru National Park
On the afternoon of February 12, 2025, the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit received a concerning report about an elderly male Eastern Black rhino observed with superficial injuries, likely sustained during a territorial altercation.
Examination
Upon evaluation, the veterinarian observed that the wounds were superficial and likely resulted from an altercation with another male. Fortunately, the injuries had dried up, with most showing good healing progress and healthy granulation tissue formation. The rhino had a fair body condition, was feeding well, and remained active and alert. No severe injuries were identified that would necessitate immobilization.
Prognosis
The monitoring team was advised to continue observing its recovery and report any changes to the veterinarian. The prognosis for full recovery was favourable.
Case 3 – 23rd February 2025
Ruppells Vulture Human-wildlife conflict
WRTI. Naivasha
Rüppell’s griffon vulture is a critically endangered scavenger native to Africa that plays a vital role in ecosystems by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. However, its population is rapidly declining due to habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution from power lines, and reduced food availability. As part of ongoing conservation efforts, the veterinarian conducted an autopsy on a male Rüppell’s griffon vulture carcass at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) in Naivasha to determine the cause of death and assess potential threats to the species.
Examination
The vulture was initially found alive but succumbed while receiving treatment. External examination showed the bird displayed well-maintained plumage and a good body condition Internally, the superficial pectoral muscle appeared dark, with the discoloration more pronounced on the right side, while the left side exhibited petechial haemorrhages. The subcutaneous fat showed a greenish discoloration, suspected to be due to bile Evaluation of the abdominal cavity indicated that the liver was congested, had rounded edges, and exhibited petechial haemorrhages. The gastrointestinal tract was largely empty
Cause of death
Post-mortem findings are suggestive of septicaemia or more likely acute poisoning.
Attendance of the Interventions for WildlifeAnimal Health (IWAH)
International Course in WRTI HQs, Naivasha - 17
th to 23rd February 2025
The veterinarian had the opportunity to participate in the Interventions in Wild Animal Health (IWAH) Course 2025, organized by a consortium of esteemed institutions including the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Toronto Zoo, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Royal Veterinary College (RVC), University of Melbourne (UoM), and the University of Edinburgh The course was held at the Wildlife Research Training Institute Campus in Naivasha, Kenya, with field-based practical sessions conducted in Hell's Gate National Park.
This intensive training covered a range of critical topics, including wildlife disease diagnostics, forensic pathology, ecological health monitoring, and advanced techniques in wildlife immobilization and anaesthesia. Additionally, participants gained insights into emerging zoonotic diseases, conservation medicine, and the impact of environmental changes on wildlife health. The course provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, hands-on experience, and collaboration among professionals dedicated to wildlife and ecosystem health.
