SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2021
Introduction
23 Cases in August
12 Poaching Cases
5 Giraffe Cases
August Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho Many parts of Lake Naivasha and the Central Rift Conservation Area have received sporadic showers during August. The region is experiencing good pasture and browse is abundant. The Unit performed routine security patrols and general clinical work including translocation of an oryx, health assessment of giraffes in Soysambu Congreve farm and Kilimandege sanctuary and the removal of snares from 12 animals amongst other cases. To attend these cases, the Unit visited Marula Estates, WRTI, Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Soysambu ranch, Kedong ranch, Hippo point, Kongoni Game Valley, KALRO, Malu Ltd, Kenya Nut - Olmurongi, Mahimahiu road, Aquilla farm among other areas. Acknowledgement We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT), for support, resources & sponsorship for the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit. We acknowledge Angela Sheldrick’s (SWT CEO), steadfast support. Kenya Wildlife Service supported the activities by availing personnel and other equipment that ensured the activities were successful which is highly appreciated. 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 August 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
2-Aug-21
Zebra
WRTI Naivasha
Natural Causes
Traumatic injury of the hind limb. The zebra had some degree of lameness
Successfully Treated
2-Aug-21
Antelope
WRTI Naivasha
Snared
The impala had died due to strangulation of the neck by a wire snare
Poaching Death
3-Aug-21
Other
WRTI Naivasha
Natural Causes
Injury during a demonstration attack leading to myalgia of the left hind leg
Successfully Treated
3-Aug-21
Antelope
Marula, Naivaisha
Relocation
Rescue the only remaining oryx after the others had been translocated
Task Successful
3-Aug-21
Zebra
WRTI Naivasha
Snared
A wire snare on the right hind leg
Successfully Treated
3-Aug-21
Antelope
Marula, Naivaisha
Natural Causes
This oryx had suffered severe lameness of the right hind leg
Successfully Treated
4-Aug-21
Zebra
WRTI Naivasha
HWC
Had suffered a deep cut on the rump inflicted by a sharp object
Prognosis Poor
4-Aug-21
Zebra
Hells Gate, Naivasha
Snared
A winch wire snare on the left front leg. The wire had almost amputated the foot
Prognosis Poor
5-Aug-21
Giraffe
Soysambu Conservancy
Research/ Survey
Assessment prior to moving the 15 Rothschild Giraffe to the Conservancy
Task Successful
14-Aug-21
Other
WRTI Naivasha
Technical Cases
RTI Canine Unit vaccinated 5 security canines
Task Successful
18-Aug-21
Giraffe
Kilimandege Sanctuary
Research/ Survey
Health & habitat assessment of 8 giraffes for relocation to Kedong ranch
Task Successful
18-Aug-21
Zebra
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
Snared
The male zebra had a wound caused by a snare on the right front leg
Successfully Treated
18-Aug-21
Zebra
Oasis, Naivasha
Snared
A female zebra snared by a wire on the neck
Successfully Treated
19-Aug-21
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
snare had wounded the zebra on the armpit area
Successfully Treated
19-Aug-21
Buffalo
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
A wire snare on the left front leg. The wire was deep seated in the wound
Successfully Treated
20-Aug-21
Eland
WRTI Naivasha
Snared
Snared around the neck
Successfully Treated
23-Aug-21
Giraffe
WRTI Naivasha
HWC
Wrapped in chain link wire when trying to browse on a protected tree
Successfully Treated
23-Aug-21
Giraffe
Naivasha
Postmortem
carcass was inside Lake Naivasha and had to be removed for a post-mortem
Died
24-Aug-21
Antelope
Soysambu Conservancy
Natural Causes
A juvenile grant gazelle, had complete open fractures of both front legs
Died
24-Aug-21
Buffalo
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
A male buffalo snared on the neck by a wire
Successfully Treated
27-Aug-21
Zebra
Manera, Naivasha
Snared
The snared had wounded the zebra on the hind legs and neck
Successfully Treated
30-Aug-21
Giraffe
Hells Gate, Naivasha
Snared
The giraffe had a wound on the snared leg and other bruises
Successfully Treated
31-Aug-21
Zebra
Marula, Naivasha
Snared
Had a winch wire snare around the left front leg
Successfully Treated
Case 1 – 2nd August 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
WRTI Game Farm, Naivasha
While on patrol searching for a wire snared zebra, which had been reported by Rangers, the Unit stumbled on this lame zebra. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had suffered a traumatic injury of the hind limb. The zebra had some degree of lameness due to this soft tissue injury. The minor wound was cleaned with water and tincture of Iodine then sprayed with Alamycin Aerosal (A fly repellant). The zebra was also administered the following: i.
Betamox (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) 6,000mg by IM route
ii. Flumeg 5% (Flunixin meglumine) 200mg by IM route Reversal and Prognosis The zebra was reversed from anesthesia with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 2 – 2nd August 2021 Impala
Snare
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
While on patrol, the Unit stumbled on a dead wire snared female impala. The impala had died due to strangulation of the neck by a wire snare.
Case 3 – 3rd August 2021 Security Dog
Natural Causes
WRTI Canine Unit, Naivasha
The Unit examined and treated a security male canine (Aiko). The canine had suffered a traumatic injury during a demonstration attack at KWS LEA leading to myalgia of the left hind leg and flank. The dog was administered Pen & Strep 20/20 and 4mg Dexamethasone. The antibiotics were continued for three days. Prognosis of the case was favorable and recovery was rapid. .
Case 4 – 3rd August 2021 Oryx
Relocation
Marula Estate, Naivasha
This exercise was to rescue the only remaining oryx after the others had been translocated to Hill cake area. The oryx was very jittery of vehicles so the Unit captured the female fringe-eared oryx by chasing her on foot then darting her with 6mg Etorphine. She was also administered 4ml Noromectin (Ivermectin) by SQ route and Betamox (Amoxicillin) as a prophylactic. The oryx was moved from crop land (farmed area) to Hill cake area (Predator free area) within Marula Estates. The oryx was transported on a pickup truck under anesthesia then the anesthesia was reversed using 24mg of Diprenorphine given IV & IM route at the release site.
Case 5 – 3rd August 2021 Zebra
Snare
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
At WRTI Game farm the Unit immobilized and treated a male zebra which had been wounded by a wire snare on the right hind leg
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Case 6 – 3rd August 2021 Oryx
Natural Causes
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This oryx had suffered severe lameness of the right hind leg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The oryx was darted with 6mg Etorphine combined with 60mg Azaperone. The oryx on clinical examination had suffered an abscess of the foot which had extended to the distal phalanx. The interdigital space was also involved. The abscess was lanced and thoroughly cleaned with water, dilute Hydrogen peroxide and liberally rinsed with tincture of Iodine. The hoof was also sprayed with Alamycin Oxytetracycline spray (fly repellant). In addition, the zebra was given 1,200mg Alamycin (Oxytetracycline 30%) by IM route. 250mg Flumeg 5% (Flunixin meglumine) by IM route, 4ml Noromectin (Ivermectin) by SQ route and 15ml Butasal by IM route Reversal and Prognosis The oryx was reversed from the anesthesia with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 7 – 4th August 2021 Zebra
Human-Wildlife Conflict
WRTI Game Farm, Naivasha
On patrol at WRTI-Game farm the Unit found this injured zebra in the Pepper corn farm water hole. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The male zebra had suffered a deep cut on the rump inflicted by a sharp object, possibly a panga. The wound was liberally cleaned with water then the wound was freshened by debridement until it was bleeding then surgically repaired with surgical sutures. Tincture of iodine was applied liberally on the area and a fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal) added. The zebra was also administered 6,000mg Betamox (Amoxicillin) by IM route, 250mg Flumeg 5% (Flunixin meglumine) by IM route, 4ml Noromectin 1% (Ivermectin) by SQ route and 15ml Butasal by IM route. Reversal and Prognosis The zebra was reversed from the anesthesia with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is guarded.
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Case 8 – 4th August 2021 Zebra
Snare
Hells Gate National Park, Naivasha
The Deputy Park Warden of Hells Gate NP informed the Unit that there was a wire snared zebra at Orpower area. Orpower staff and a KWS Ranger helped in the search of this winch wire snared zebra.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 6mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The vet darted the zebra from foot because the areas terrain is rugged and covered with thick bush. The male zebra had a winch wire snare on the left front leg. The wire had almost amputated the foot. The wound was liberally cleaned with water, rinsed thoroughly with tincture of Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal). The zebra was also administered 6,000mg Betamox (Amoxicillin) by IM route, 250mg Flumeg 5% (Flunixin) by IM route, 4ml Noromectin 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route and 15ml Butasal by IM route Reversal and Prognosis The zebra was reversed from the anesthesia with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is guarded.
Case 9 – 5th August 2021 Giraffe
Research/Survey
Congreve Farm, Soysambu
Congreve farm is a 6,000-acre part of the Soysambu Conservancy (48,000 acres). It’s a mixed used farm with a tourist facility as well as domestic livestock. There is also an area set aside for the growing of hay. Various vegetation habitats and wildlife species are also found within Congreve including buffalo, eland, giraffe, zebra, Grants and Thomson’s gazelles. The 15 Rothschild giraffe recorded within the farm are thought to have crossed into Congreve from the main farm and from Lake Nakuru National Park. The RVMVU, Soysambu Conservancy and SRS conducted a health and habitat assessment of Rothschild giraffes.
The main objective of the assessment was to establish the condition of the giraffe and their impact on the habitat, especially the debarking of the Acacia. The Unit observed 12 giraffes in two groups. One had 8 (2 males, 3 females, 3 juveniles) and the other had 4 (1 male, 3 females). The body condition of the animals was very good to excellent, and they appeared to be getting enough food. The Acacia trees were examined for evidence of extensive debarking which appeared to be moderate and was not resulting in tree death. Recommendation There is no immediate urgency to move the giraffes as they have adequate forage and water. In case it is necessary to move them, then there is need to explore methods of translocation that will result in minimum stress to the animals (habituation in a holding boma) then translocation. There is need to immediately set up a monitoring program to understand the movements of the giraffe within Congreve.
Case 10– 14th August 2021 Security Dog
Technical Case
WRTI Canine Unit, Naivasha
At the WRTI Canine Unit, the RVMVU vaccinated 5 security canines (Befo(f), Harry(m), Diva(f), Parker(m), & Aiko(m) against rabies, canine distemper, Adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza-parvovirus and leptospirosis.
Case 11 – 18th August 2021 Giraffe
Research/Survey
Kilimandege Sanctuary
Kilimandege Sanctuary and JR property cover an area of approximately 6km2. There are 8 male Masai giraffes who browse these two properties which are also home to several other species. The area available for browse is being reduced by buildings, electric fences, and surging lake waters which claim over 65% of the land. There is no exit corridor out of the properties due to walls, the lake and agricultural development. Over 95% of acacia trees are beyond the giraffes reach and they have resorted to browse unusual species including croton and sisal. The giraffes debarked the Acacia to compensate for dietary deficits which has resulted in drying of some of the tall trees and ecosystem stress. This assessment was to establish the condition of the giraffe, their impact on the habitat and if they needed to be moved to Kedong Ranch. 7 giraffes were observed, all with a body condition ranging from poor to fair. There was scarcity of browse, and the extensive debarking of acacia has resulted in tree deaths. There is immediate urgency to move the giraffes. They will need to be habituated to supplementary feeding on a platform. Part of the fence will need to temporarily come down and a roadblock approved so the giraffes can cross the road. .
Case 12 – 18th August 2021 Zebra
Snare
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
The Unit was informed about a wounded male zebra that needed attention at Aquilla farm. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The male zebra had a wound caused by a snare on the right front leg which was cleaned with water and tincture of Iodine then spayed with fly repellant (Alamycin) and covered with 2.5% Oxytetracycline powder. The zebra was also given 6,000mg Betamox by IM route, 200mg Flumeg by IM route and 3mliii.Noromectin 1% by SQ route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 13– 18th August 2021 Zebra
Snare
Oasis-Mahimahiu Road, Naivasha
The zebra had been seen near Jaguar Petrol Station along Mahimahiu road by Rangers on patrol. The zebra was darted with 6mg Etorphine combined with100mg Azaperone. The snare was removed and the zebra administered with 15ml Introvit by IM route and 4ml Noromectin by SQ route
Case 14 – 19th August 2021 Zebra
Snare
Soysambu Ranch
This case was reported by the Soysambu Ranch Staff who also assisted with the search & rescue. The female zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. She had a wire snare around the neck and chest. The snare had wounded the zebra around the armpit area which was cleaned with water and tincture of Iodine then sprayed with fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal). The zebra was also given 1,200mg Alamycin (Oxytetracycline), 15ml Introvit, 800mg Phenylbutazone and 4ml Noromectin. The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 15– 19th August 2021 Buffalo
Snare
Soysambu Ranch
The Soysambu Ranch Staff reported a buffalo with a wounded leg near Jolai road. The buffalo was darted with 9mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The buffalo had a wire snare on the left front leg which was deep seated in the wound. Once the snare was removed the wound was cleaned with water and Iodine then sprayed with fly repellant - Alamycin. The buffalo was also administered 12,000mg Alamycin, 250mg Flumeg, 40ml Butasal and 5ml Noromectin. The buffalo was reversed from the anaesthesia with 54mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is favorable.
Case 16– 20th August 2021 Eland
Snare
WRT Game Ranch, Naivasha
This case was reported by Rangers at WRTI – Game farm. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The eland was darted with 13mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The female eland had a wire snare on the neck which was removed. The eland was then administered the following: i.
Introvit (Interchemie) 15mL by IM route
ii.
Noromectin 1% w/v (Ivermectin) 4mL by SQ route
Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 60mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 17– 23rd August 2021 Giraffe
Human-Wildlife Conflict
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivaisha
This case was reported by SW at WRTI - main campus. The male giraffe had picked up chain link wire when trying to browse on a protected tree in the graduation square. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was darted with 14mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The giraffe had a chain link wire mesh snare on the neck but thankfully it hadn’t caused any injuries. The chain link was quickly and easily removed. Prognosis The giraffe was reversed from anaesthesia with 60mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 18– 23rd August 2021 Giraffe
Post-mortem
JR Guest House, Naivasha
The Unit examined a dead male giraffe at J R – Guest house. The carcass was inside Lake Naivasha, making it necessary to haul the carcass from the lake and load onto a JCB tractor. The carcass was moved to Kedong ranch – Giriki area for the post-mortem examination then the carcass was safely disposed of. On physical examination, the body condition was poor (2). Body condition scoring (1= very poor, 2 = poor, 3=fair, 4= good, 5=Excellent). The incisor teeth were worn out. There was gelatinization of subcutaneous fat, oedema of the subcutis, gelatinization of omental fat, congestion of the lungs, ecchymmotic hemorrhages of cardiac muscles and severe gelatinization of the coronary fat. Cause of death The giraffe was on a low plain of nutrition for long time. Several micronutrients are essential cofactors of metabolic reactions and contribute to the efficiency and the appropriate utilization of energy. Malnutrition leads to mobilization of body fat to free fatty acids to supply energy requirements resulting to gelatinization of 90% of body fat. Ischemia and oxidative stress may further reduce energy expenditure, resulting in cardiomyocyte injury. Cardiac cachexia is characterized by a catabolic state of the body. Subcutaneous oedema is also a result of poor nutrition status. Energy deficits and nutritional stress resulted in cardiac cachexia and terminal heart failure.
Case 19– 24th August 2021 Gazelle
Natural Causes
Soysambu Ranch
The Unit examined a juvenile Grant gazelle, who had suffered complete open fractures of both front legs which were also heavily contaminated. The gazelle had a poor prognosis and was put to rest by intravenous injection of 2,000mg Sodium phenobarbitone.
Case 20– 24th August 2021 Buffalo
Snare
Soysambu Ranch
Whist on patrol the Unit found this snared buffalo. The buffalo was darted with 9mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The snare was removed then the buffalo was administered Noromectin 1% w/v (Ivermectin) 6mL by SQ route. Prognosis The buffalo was reversed from the anaesthesia with 48mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 21– 27th August 2021 Zebra
Snare
Manera Farm, Naivasha
On patrol at Manera farm, the Unit encountered this wire snared zebra. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine combined with 100mg Azaperone. The female zebra had a wire snare around the neck. The snare had wounded the zebra on the hind legs and neck. The snare was removed and then a fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal) was applied. The zebra was also administered with 6,000mg Alamycin (Oxytetracycline) by IM route and 4ml Noromectin 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route Prognosis The zebra was reversed from the anesthesia with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route.
Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 22– 30th August 2021 Giraffe
Snare
Hells Gate National Park, Naivasha
This case was reported by Hell’s Gate NP SW Office. The giraffe was darted with 13mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The giraffe had a winch wire snare on the left front leg and other bruises. The giraffe was given 9,000mg Betamox (Amoxicillin Trihydrate) by IM route, 20ml Introvit (Interchemie) by IM route, 2,000mg Phenylbutazone 20% (AGRAR Holland) by IV route and 8ml Noromectin 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
Case 23–31st August 2021 Zebra
Snare
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This case was reported by Marula Estates staff through the Naivasha Sub County Warden. The search & rescue was assisted by the Ranch staff. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The male zebra had a winch wire snare on the left front leg. The snare had wounded the zebra on the leg which was cleaned with water and tincture of Iodine then sprayed with fly repellant. The zebra was also given 12,000mg Alamycin (Oxytetracycline), 15ml Introvit, 800mg Phenylbutazone and 4ml Noromectin. Prognosis is good.