SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JULY 2021
Introduction
28 Cases in July
15 Poaching Cases
79% Success
July Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho Many parts South and North of Lake Naivasha and the Central Rift Conservation Area have received sporadic showers. The region is experiencing good pasture and browse is abundant for wildlife. 22 wildlife cases were undertaken during July. The Unit visited the following areas; Soysambu ranch, Lake Bogoria, Marula Estates, WRTI Annex, KALRO – DTI, Kedong ranch, Oserian, Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Kitale Nature Conservancy, Mt Elgon NP, Aquilla farm, Kongoni Game Valley among other areas. The Unit conducted general clinical work and routine security patrols as well as treating 11 zebra, 5 giraffe, 5 antelope, 2 hyenas 2 buffalo cases, including rescue of 2 calves, and 1 water bird. Acknowledgement We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT), for support, resources & sponsorship for the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit. We acknowledge Angela Sheldrick, CEO SWT, for her passion for wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Thanks also to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for availing personnel and equipment that ensured the activities were successful. We sincerely thank all stakeholders and scouts and who reported the cases in distress. Thank you all.
SWT/KWS Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations July 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
1-Jul-21
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
A female zebra snared on the right hind leg
Successfully Treated
1-Jul-21
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
A zebra snared by the neck
Successfully Treated
1-Jul-21
Zebra
Lake Bogoria
Arrow
Arrow to the right flank
Successfully Treated
9-Jul-21
Giraffe
WRTI Naivasha
Snared
Snare on the left hindleg
Successfully Treated
13-Jul-21
Zebra
Kalro, Naivasha
Snared
Snared around the neck
Successfully Treated
14-Jul-21
Giraffe
WRTI, Naivasha
Postmortem
A complete fracture of the right hindleg of the giraffe
Died
15-Jul-21
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
Snare on the left hind leg
Successfully Treated
15-Jul-21
Hyena
Oserian, Naivasha
Snared
Hyena tethered to trees by a snare around the abdomen
Successfully Treated
16-Jul-21
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
Snared by a wire on the left hind leg
Successfully Treated
16-Jul-21
Eland
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
Snared around the neck
Successfully Treated
18-Jul-21
Buffalo
Kedong Ranch
Postmortem
Traumatic injury to the abdomen, perforating the rumen
Died
18-Jul-21
Buffalo
Kedong Ranch
Human Wildlife Conflict
2 buffalo calves that been trapped in a deep moat. The calves were following mother buffalo cows but fell in
Task Successful
19-Jul-21
Giraffe
Oserengoni Sanctuary
Natural Causes
Swollen/inflamed front leg on the interdigital claw and resultant laminitis
Successfully Treated
21-Jul-21
Hadada Ibis
WRTI, Naivasha
Natural Causes
The birds were scared by warthogs. Unfortunately, one of the birds hit a building wall when taking off
Taken to Orphanage
21-Jul-21
Oryx
Marula Estate
Natural Causes
Reported to be sick, recumbent and rectal temperature had dropped to 360c
Prognosis Poor
23-Jul-21
Oryx
Marula Estate
Postmortem
Post-mortem of the oryx previously treated for grain overload
Died
25-Jul-21
Hyena
Kitale Conservancy
Technical Case
26-Jul-21
Waterbuck
Mount Elgon
Snared
The waterbuck had a wire snare on the left front leg
Successfully Treated
27-Jul-21
Oryx
Marula Estate
Relocation
The oryxes were moved from crop land (farmed area) to Hill cake area (Predator free area) within Marula
Task Successful
A captive hyena suddenly developed selfSuccessfully mutilation behaviour, in particular biting Treated on the flanks and the tail
27-Jul-21
Topi
Marula Estate
Relocation
To rescue these animals from ingesting wheat grain in crop land
Task Successful
27-Jul-21
Zebra
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
Snared
The male zebra had a winch wire snare on right front leg
Successfully Treated
27-Jul-21
Zebra
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
Snared
The female zebra had a fence wire snare on right hind leg
Successfully Treated
27-Jul-21
Zebra
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
Snared
Wire snare on left hind leg
Successfully Treated
27-Jul-21
Zebra
Oserian
Snared
The female zebra had a greenhouse winch wire snare on the neck
Successfully Treated
28-Jul-21
Oryx
Marula Estate
Relocation
Rescue these animals from ingesting wheat grain in crop land
Task Successful
29-Jul-21
Zebra
Oserian
Snared
The female zebra had a greenhouse winch snare on the neck
Successfully Treated
29-Jul-21
Giraffe
Kongoni, Oserian
Natural Causes
Severe laminitis & coronitis and some detachment of the hoof at the coronet
Successfully Treated
30-Jul-21
Giraffe
WRTI, Naivasha
Postmortem
Kinking of neck muscles and ligaments and partial separation of neck vertebra
Died
Case 1 – 1st July 2021 Zebra
Snare
Soysambu Ranch
The Unit rescued a female zebra snared by a wire on the right hind leg. The prognosis of the case is good.
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Case 2 – 1st July 2021 Zebra
Snare
The Unit rescued a female zebra snared by a wire on the neck. Prognosis of the case is good.
Soysambu Ranch
Case 3 – 1st July 2021 Zebra
Arrow
Lake Bogoria
The Unit rescued a female zebra shot with an arrow. The arrow was retrieved from the right flank. Prognosis of the case is favorable to guarded.
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Case 4 – 9th July 2021 Giraffe
Snare
The Unit rescued a female giraffe snared by a wire on the left hind leg. Prognosis of this case is favorable.
WRTI Annex, Naivasha
Case 5 – 13th July 2021 Zebra
Snare
Karlo Ranch, Naivasha
On 13.07.2021 at KALRO - DTI, the rescued and treated a male zebra snared around the neck. Prognosis of the case is favorable to guarded.
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Case 6 – 14th July 2021 Giraffe
Post-mortem
WRTI Annex, Naivasha
On 14.07.2021 at WRTI - Annex, the Unit responded and examined a dead female giraffe. The Masai giraffe carcass was 2 days old. The cause of death was naturally caused by a complete fracture of the right hind leg as the giraffe had accidentally slipped and fell down. This fall was due to soft and muddy terrain of the surging Lake Naivasha waters.
Case 7 – 15th July 2021 Zebra
Snare
Soysambu Conservancy
On 15.07.2021 at Soysambu, the Unit treated a male zebra wounded by a snare on the left hind leg. Hoof trimming and filling was undertaken to reduce the degree of lameness. Prognosis of the case is good.
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Case 8 – 15th July 2021 Hyena
Snare
Oserian, Naivasha
On 15.07.2021 at Oserian (Two Lakes Business Park), the Unit rescued a male hyena snared by a wire on the abdomen. Hyena had injuries to the abdomen caused by the winch wire snare. The hyena had been tethered to the trees and could not move. Prognosis of this case is favorable
Case 9 – 16th July 2021 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
On the 16.07.2021 at Soysambu Conservancy, the Unit rescued a female zebra snared by a wire on the left hind leg. Prognosis is favourable. .
Case 10– 16th July 2021 Eland
Snare
Soysambu Conservancy
On the 16.07.2021 at Soysambu Conservancy, the Unit rescued a female eland snared by a wire on the neck. Prognosis is good.
Case 11 – 18th July 2021 Buffalo
Post-mortem
Kedong Ranch, Naivasha
On the Ranch, the Unit examined a dead male buffalo and performed a full post-mortem. The post-mortem findings revealed a traumatic injury to the abdomen which perforated the rumen. This led to severe fibrinous peritonitis. The peritonitis subsequently spread to the lungs causing pneumonia and death of the buffalo. The kidneys, spleen and liver were also affected as adhesions were widespread.
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Case 12 – 18th June 2021 Buffalo
Human-wildlife Conflict
Kedong Ranch, Naivasha
On the 18.07.2021 at Kedong ranch, the Unit rescued 2 buffalo calves that had been trapped in a deep trench. The calves were following mother buffalo cows but fell into this deep trench. On 19.07.2021 we held a crisis stakeholder meeting at Kedong Ranch Main Office to solve the matter. After brainstorming, we all agreed on partial backfilling at the end points as a temporary measure and further redesigning of the moat plus fence repair and frequent maintenance and landscaping. All these are responsibilities of Kedong ranch management
Case 13– 19th July 2021 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary
On the 19.07.2021 at Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary, the Unit immobilized and clinically examined a lame female giraffe. On examination the giraffe had swollen/inflamed front leg on the interdigital claw and resultant laminitis
Case 14 – 21st July 2021 Hadada Ibis
Natural Causes
WRTI, Naivasha
Two Ibis were feeding in the Canine Unit Compound in the evening. The water birds were scared by warthogs and flew away. Unfortunately, one of the birds hit a building wall when taking off. The bird suffered a head concussion, and one wing was also injured. It was unconscious for some time. The bird was kept under observation for 24 hours, it could walk but failed to fly away. The Vet administered the bird with 75mg Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) plus 0.5mg Dexamethasone given by IM route. The bird was moved to Kilima Ndege Bird Sanctuary for rehabilitation. Prognosis is guarded.
Case 15– 21st and 22nd July 2021 Oryx
Natural Causes
Marula Estates, Naivasha
A male oryx was reported to be sick, recumbent, and rectal temperature had dropped to 360c. An emergency situation. It was rumored that he had ingested some wheat grains in the farmed area. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The oryx was recumbent and grunting. The mucous membranes were congested/blood shot in particular the eyes conjunctiva and gums. Breathing was shallow, labored and abdominal in type. The lungs were hard on auscultation. On rectal examination some whole wheat grains were observed as part of fecal matter. The fecal matter had a foul odor. The eye reflexes had decreased. The oryx was very dull. Circulation was poor and veins had collapsed. Body extremities were cold. The oryx was in hypovolemic shock and was in pain. A tentative diagnosis of lactic acidosis was made. The oryx was treated with 10 million IU Benzyl penicillin plus 240mg Gentamycin sulphate IV, 10mg Dexamethasone, normal saline and Ringer Lactate IV infusion. A maintenance drug of 6,000mg Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) given by the M route. The next day the Unit revisited the Uni to review the fringe-eared oryx. The oryx was still recumbent but alive. The oryx was administered Flunixin meglumine 400mg IV, Benzyl penicillin 10 million IU by IV route, Gentamycin sulphate 240mg by IV route, Glucose 50%, Ringer Lactate IV infusion, Stop bloat 40ml by ruminal route, 15ml Butasal by IM route. Prognosis The oryx had complications of grain overload hence severe lactic acidosis and rumen stasis. The prognosis of this case was guarded
Case 16– 23rd July 2021 Oryx
Post-mortem
Marula Estates, Naivasha
Sadly the oryx that had been treated the previous two days died and the Unit were called to carry out a full Post-mortem examination of the dead oryx. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The major PM findings were the following: • •
Omenta congested with paint brush hemorrhages Paint brush hemorrhages on the diaphragm
• Petechiae and ecchimortic hemorrhages in the rib cage • Lungs were slightly congested • Rumen was full of fibrous material (wheat hay) and wheat grains • Severe rumen impaction and grain overload in the reticulum & omasum abomasum Cause of Death The cause of death was severe lactic acidosis due to grain overload. Recommendation Move or translocate the other Oryxes away from the wheat farms to stop them from ingesting wheat grains which can lead to lactic acidosis and death.
Case 17– 25th July 2021 Hyena
Technical Case
Kitale Nature Conservancy
A captive hyena had suddenly developed an abnormal behavior of self-mutilation, in particular biting on the flanks and the tail. The self-biting behavior was observed to be exacerbated by the presence of visitors. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The captive hyena was immobilized with 4mg Etorphine plus 30mg Azaperone. One the drugs took effect the hyena was immediately administered 10mg Butorphanol IV to improve the level of anesthesia. On physical examination the hyena had bite wounds to the flanks and tail. The hyena had no ectoparasites. Skin scrapings were taken to examine the presence of mites. The wounds were cleaned with water and tincture of Iodine then sprayed with Alamycin Aerosal (A fly repellant). They hyena was also administered with 3,000mg Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) by IM route, 8mg Colvasone (Dexamethasone) by SQ route, 3ml Noromectin 1% (Ivermectin) by SQ route, Frontline spot-on to the neck and 8ml Butsal (Butafosfan+Vit B12, Cyanocobalamin) by IM route. Prognosis The anaesthetic was reversed with 60mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. After 1 hour we added a top up 60mg of Naltrexone by IM route. Prognosis of the case is good. We advised immediate withdrawal of the hyena from public showing and serious enrichment of the holding cage.
Case 18– 26th July 2021 Waterbuck
Snare
Mount Elgon National Park
At 7.30 am a wire snared male waterbuck was sighted at the open area - Airstrip at Chorlim gate. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The waterbuck was darted using 6mg Etorphine combined with 50mg Azaperone. The waterbuck immediately ran into the forest and got lost. The Unit searched for the darted waterbuck for 1 hour and fortunately found him in the thick bush. The waterbuck had a wire snare on left front leg. The wound was cleaned liberally with water and tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal) was added. The waterbuck was administered with 6,000mg Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) by IM route, 250mg Flumeg 5% (Flunixin meglumine) by IM route, 4ml Noromectin® 1% (Ivermectin) by SQ route. Prognosis The waterbuck was reversed from the anaesthesia using 40mg Naltrexone given by the IV & IM route. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
Case 19– 27th July 2021 Oryx
Relocation
Marula Estates, Naivasha
On 27.07.2021 at Marula Estates, the Unit supported KWS HQs Vet & Capture team in capturing 2 female fringe-eared oryx by chemical immobilization. This exercise was to rescue these animals from ingesting wheat grain in crop land. Immobilisation, examination and relocation The oryxes were darted with 6mg Etorphine combined with 60mg Azaperone. Once the drugs took effect the Oryxes were administered with 4ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route and Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) for any that had suffered minor injuries. The Oryxes were moved from crop land (farmed area) to Hill cake area (Predator free area) within Marula Estates. Release The animals were transported on a pick-up truck under anaesthesia. The animals were reversed from the anaesthesia using 24mg of Diprenorphine given IV & IM route at the release site - Hill Cake area.
Case 20– 27th July 2021 Topi
Relocation
Marula Estates, Naivasha
On the 27.07.2021 at Marula Estates, the Unit also supported KWS HQs Vet & Capture team in capturing 4 male topis and 3 female topis by chemical immobilization. This exercise was to rescue these animals from ingesting wheat grain in crop land. Immobilisation, examination and relocation The topis were darted using 6mg Etorphine 6mg combined with 60mg Azaperone. The topis were administered with 4ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route to control any parasitic infection that maybe present and 250mg Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) plus Flumeg 5% (Flunixin meglumine) IM for any injuries. The topis were moved from Crop land (farmed area) to Hill cake area (predator free area) within Marula Estates. Release The animals were transported on a pick-up truck under anaesthesia. The animals were then overloaded and reversed from anaesthesia using 24mg of Diprenorphine given IV & IM route at the release site - Hill Cake area.
Case 21– 27th July 2021 Zebra
Snare
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
The Unit received information from our informers about 3 snared zebras at Aquilla farm at 10.00am. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The male zebra had a winch wire snare on right front leg. The vet cleaned the snare wound liberally with water and tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal) was added. The zebra was also administered with 6,000mg Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) by IM route, 250mg Flumeg® 5% (Flunixin meglumine) by IM route and 4ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route. Prognosis The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine 24mg given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 22– 27th July 2021 Zebra
Snare
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
The Unit received information from our informers about 3 snared zebras at Aquilla farm at 10.00am. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The female zebra had a fence wire snare on the right hind leg. The snare wound was cleaned liberally with water and disinfected with tincture of Iodine. It was then sprayed with a fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal®). The zebra was also administered with 6,000mg Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) by IM route, 250mg Flumeg® 5% (Flunixin meglumine) by IM route and 4ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route. Prognosis The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine 24mg given by IV & IM route. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
Case 23– 27th July 2021 Zebra
Snare
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
The Unit received information from our informers about 3 snared zebras at Aquilla farm at 10.00am. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The male zebra had a winch wire snare on the left hind leg. A liberal amount of water was used to clean the snare wound then tincture of Iodine was used to disinfect the wound before it was sprayed with a fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal®) and 2.5% Oxytetracycline powder was added. The zebra was also administered with 3,750mg Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) by IM route, 200mg Flumeg® 5% (Flunixin meglumine) by IM route and 3ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) to protect against parasites. Prognosis The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine 24mg given by IV & IM route. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
Case 24– 27th July 2021 Zebra
Snare
Oserian, Naivasha
This case was reported by informers from Kongoni Game Valley. The zebra was very close to Lake Naivasha shores. Close to the shore posed a high risk of the zebra running into the water after darting. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted using 6mg Etorphine plus 100mg Azaperone. Thankfully, the drugs took effect quickly and the zebra was secured for snare removal. The female zebra had a greenhouse winch wire snare around the neck. Thankfully it had not caused any wounds that required treatment. The vet administered 15ml Introvit (Interchemie) by IM route and 4ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route. Prognosis The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
Case 25– 28th July 2021 Oryx
Relocation
Marula Estates, Naivasha
After losing an oryx after it consumed wheat grain, an exercise to move the remaining animals was implemented. On the 28.07.2021 at Marula Estates, the Unit supported KWS HQs Vet & Capture team in capturing 4 female fringe-eared oryx by chemical immobilization. This exercise was to rescue these animals from ingesting wheat grain in crop land. Immobilisation, examination and relocation The oryxes were darted using 6mg Etorphine combined with 60mg Azaperone. Once immobilized the Oryx were administered with 4ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route to control any parasitic infection. Betamox LA (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) was applied as an antibiotic against any possible injuries or illnesses. The Oryx were moved from Crop land (farmed area) to Hill cake area (Predator free area) within Marula Estates. The animals were transported on pick- up truck under anesthesia. Release The anesthesia was reversed with 24mg of Diprenorphine given IV & IM route at the release site - Hill Cake area.
Case 26– 29th July 2021 Zebra
Snare
Oserian, Naivasha
This case was reported by the Honorary Warden of Oserian Flowers. The zebra was very close to the Lake Naivasha shores which posed a high risk of the zebra running into the waters after darting. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted using 6mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone in a dart. The female zebra had a greenhouse winch wire snare on the neck. Luckily the snare had not caused any injuries, so no treatment was required. The zebra was administered with 15ml Introvit (Interchemie) by IM route and 4ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route to protect against parasites. Prognosis The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
No pictures are available for this case.
Case 27– 29th July 2021 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Kongoni Game Valley, Naivasha
This case was reported by residents of Kongoni Game Valley. This case was a repeat treatment case. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was darted with 13mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone in a dart. The female giraffe had been limping due to severe laminitis of the front right leg. The vet again examined the case and established the severe laminitis & coronitis and some detachment of the hoof at the coronet. We administered the following: • • •
Alamycin® 30% LA (Oxytetracycline) 18,000mg by IM route Flumeg® 5% (Flunixin meglumine) 1,000mg by IM route Butasal®(Interchemie) (Butafosfan+Vit B12, Cyanocobalamin) 40ml by IM route
Prognosis The giraffe was reversed from the anesthesia with 60mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is favorable.
Case 28– 30th July 2021 Giraffe
Post-mortem
WRTI Annex, Naivasha
The Vet Unit were called to examine a dead male giraffe carcass. Post-mortem Findings The Unit carried out a full post-mortem. The major finding was injury to the neck, kinking of neck muscles and ligaments and partial separation of neck vertebra in the mid neck region. Cause of death The cause of death was due to injury to the spinal cord caused trauma. The injury was as a result of a territorial fight with another male