SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2021
Introduction
28 Cases in September
18 Poaching Cases
67% Success
September Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho During September, many parts of Lake Naivasha and the Central Rift Conservation Area received sporadic showers. The region is generally experiencing a dry spell, with pasture and browse availability decreasing. The Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit visited WRTI Game farm, Marula Estates, Olerai/Sirocco farm, Hell’s Gate NP, Mt Elgon NP, Loldia farm, Manera farm, Gilgil – Nagum area, Hippo Point among other areas. The Unit continued with general clinical case work and routine security patrols. The majority of cases involved animals snared for bushmeat as well as 3 for human-wildlife conflict, 1 post-mortem and 7 for natural causes. Acknowledgement We sincerely thank the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their services and resources. Angela Sheldrick, SWT CEO, is acknowledged for her steadfast support. The Kenya Wildlife Service support of personnel and equipment ensured the activities were successful. All stakeholders involved are highly appreciated.
SWT/KWS Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations September 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
1-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
On physical examination the zebra had had a fence wire snare around the neck
Successfully Treated
1-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The zebra foal had a fence wire snare on the neck and the front leg was entangled
Successfully Treated
2-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The zebra had been snared on the left front leg
Successfully Treated
2-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The zebra had had a fence wire snare on neck
Successfully Treated
2-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
On physical examination the zebra had a wire snare on right hind leg
Successfully Treated
10-Sep-21
Antelope
Naivasha
Snared
This oryx had been snared by a nylon rope on the left front leg and horns
Successfully Treated
10-Sep-21
Antelope
Naivasha
Natural Causes
Suffered an abscess of the foot in the interdigital space on both front legs
Successfully Treated
10-Sep-21
Antelope
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The oryx had an abscess and injury on the left front leg in the interdigital space
Successfully Treated
12-Sep-21
Buffalo
Naivasha
Snared
. The buffalo had a wire snare on the neck
Successfully Treated
12-Sep-21
Zebra
Hells Gate NP
Snared
The zebra had had a wire snare on the neck
Successfully Treated
13-Sep-21
Zebra
Mount Elgon NP
Snared
The zebra had a wire snare on the left front leg causing a wound
Successfully Treated
14-Sep-21
Waterbuck
Mount Elgon NP
Snared
This waterbuck had a wire snare around the neck
Successfully Treated
14-Sep-21
Buffalo
Mount Elgon NP
Snared
a wire snare on the right hind leg that was deep seated in the wound
Successfully Treated
17-Sep-21
Giraffe
Naivasha
HWC
Both hind legs had accidentally been trapped in a metallic animal grid
HWC Death
17-Sep-21
Antelope
Naivasha
Snared
Report of a wire snared impala
Successfully Treated
18-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The male zebra had a wound caused by a snare on the right hind leg
Prognosis Poor
19-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
HWC
The zebra had been chased by domestic dogs and the abdomen was open
HWC Death
24-Sep-21
Giraffe
Naivasha
Snared
A wire snare on the left hind leg. The snare had wounded the giraffe
Successfully Treated
24-Sep-21
Zebra
Gilgil
Snared
The zebra had a nylon rope snare on the left front leg which was deep seated
Successfully Treated
25-Sep-21
Buffalo
Hells Gate NP
Snared
A buffalo had been tethered by a winch wire on a tree in the cliff
Successfully Treated
25-Sep-21
Predator
Hells Gate NP
Natural Causes
The jackal had suffered closed fractures on 3 legs
Died
27-Sep-21
Buffalo
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The calf was dull, immobile, recumbent and heavily infested with ticks
Prognosis Poor
27-Sep-21
Buffalo
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The calf was comatose.one of the horns and cranium was infected
Died
28-Sep-21
Hyena
Naivasha
Snared
The hyena had a wire snare embedded in the tissues of the neck
Successfully Treated
28-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The neck was swollen and edematous. The zebra could not stand up
Died
28-Sep-21
Antelope
Naivasha
Snared
The wildebeest had a wire snare on the neck which had also trapped the horn
Successfully Treated
30-Sep-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
Prognosis Poor
30-Sep-21
Eland
Naivasha
Postmortem
The zebra had suffered suspected tumors/sarcoids on the withers . The carcass had been mauled by predators on the abdomen. It was old and had lost incisor teeth
Died
Case 1 – 1st September 2021 Zebra
Snared
WRTI Game Farm, Naivasha
The Peppercorn farm property owners called us at around 6.00 pm to respond to this snared zebra at the watering hole. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone dart. On physical examination the zebra had had a fence wire snare around the neck which was removed. Reversal and Prognosis The zebra was reversed from the anesthesia with 24mg Diprenorphine given by the IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 2 – 1st September 2021 Zebra
Snared
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
The Peppercorn Farm Owners reported a snared zebra foal. It was almost dark and darting was challenging. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra foal was darted with 3mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone dart. The foal had a fence wire snare on the neck and the front leg was also entangled causing minor lacerations & bruises. The zebra was administered 3,000mg Betamox, 200mg Phenylbutazone and 2ml Noromectin. Prognosis Prognosis of the case is favorable.
Case 3 – 2nd September 2021 Zebra
Snared
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra was wounded by a snare around the left front leg. The wound was cleaned with water and Iodine and an aerosol fly repellant applied. The zebra was also given 6,000mg Betamox, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Ivermectin and 15ml Butasal. Prognosis is favorable.
Case 4 – 2nd September 2021 Zebra
Snared
WRTI Game Farm, Naivasha
This case was reported by rangers at WRTI Game farm through the SW WRTI. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had had a fence wire snare on neck which was reversed. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 5 – 2nd September 2021 Zebra
Snared
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
The zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had a wire snare on the right hind leg which had wounded the leg. The wound was cleaned liberally with water and rinsed thoroughly with Iodine then sprayed with a fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal). The zebra was then administered with 6,000mg Betamox (Amoxicillin Trihydrate), 800mg Phenylbutazone 20% and 4ml Noromectin 1% (Ivermectin) and 15ml Butasal. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 6 – 10th September 2021 Oryx
Snared
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This oryx had been snared by a nylon rope on the left front leg and horns. The oryx was darted with 6mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone. The snare was removed and 4ml Noromectin and 15ml Butasal were administered. The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 7 – 10th September 2021 Oryx
Natural Causes
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This oryx had suffered severe lameness of both front legs. The oryx was darted with 6mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone. The oryx had an abscess in the foot at the interdigital space of both front legs. Both feet were thoroughly cleaned with water, dilute Hydrogen peroxide and liberally rinsed with Iodine. The hooves were sprayed with Alamycin spray (fly repellant). The oryx was also given 12,000mg Alamycin, 250mg Flumeg, 4ml Noromectin and 15ml Butasal. Prognosis of the case is good.
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Case 8 – 10th September 2021 Oryx
Natural Causes
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This oryx suffered severe lameness of the left front leg due to an abscess in the hoof’s interdigital space. The oryx was with 6mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone. We thoroughly cleaned the foot with water, dilute hydrogen peroxide and liberally rinsed the wound with tincture of Iodine. The hoof was sprayed with Alamycin Oxytetracycline spray (fly repellant). The oryx was also administered with 12,000mg Alamycin, 250mg Flumeg, 4ml Noromectin and 15ml Butasal. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 9 – 12th September 2021 Buffalo
Snared
Olerai, Naivasha
This case was reported by Olerai/Sirocco farm staff. They reported a buffalo with a wire snare around the neck. The buffalo was darted with 8mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone so the snare could be removed. The buffalo was reversed from the anesthesia with 54mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is favorable.
Case 10 – 12th September 2021 Zebra
Snare
Hells Gate National Park
This case was reported by Rangers through the SW Hell’s Gate NP. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Physical examination revealed the zebra had a wire snare around the neck. The snare was removed and the anesthesia reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine. Prognosis is good.
Case 11 – 13th September 2021 Zebra
Snared
Mount Elgon National Park
This case was reported by Mt Elgon NP management through radio message. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had a wire snare on the left front leg which had caused a wound. The wound was cleaned liberally with water, rinsed thoroughly with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with a fly repellant (Alamycin). The zebra was also administered with 6,000mg Betamox, 800mg Phenylbutazone 20%, 4ml Noromectin and 15ml Butasal. The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine 24mg given by IV & IM route. Prognosis is good. .
Case 12 – 14th September 2021 Waterbuck
Snared
Mount Elgon National Park
While on patrol, searching for a snared buffalo the Unit found a waterbuck with a wire snare on the neck. The waterbuck was darted with 6mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. The waterbuck immediately ran into the forest and was lost. It was found after a 30 minute extensive search and the snare was removed. The waterbuck was also administered 4ml Noromectin by SQ route The anesthetic was reversed with 40mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 13– 14th September 2021 Buffalo
Snared
Mount Elgon National Park
This case was reported by Mt Elgon NP Management through radio message. The buffalo calf was darted with 3mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone. The calf had a wire snare on the right hind leg which was deep seated in the wound. The wound was cleaned with water and tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant - Alamycin spray was also applied. The buffalo was also given 3,000mg Betamox, 2mg Colvasone, 10ml Butasal and 2ml Noromectin. Prognosis of the case is favorable
Case 14 – 17th September 2021 Giraffe
Human-Wildlife Conflict
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
The Unit received a report that a giraffe had died over night. The giraffe had accidentally been trapped by both hind legs in a metallic animal grid. The giraffe had struggled to free himself but failed and died due to exhaustion. The giraffe was searching for water in the Peppercorn area of the farm. The carcass was removed with a tractor and safely disposed at WRTI Game farm near the ranger’s camp.
Case 15– 17th September 2021 Impala
Snared
Loldia Farm, Naivasha
A wire snared impala was reported to the Unit by the Hon. Warden Gary Hoffcraf of Loldia farm. The impala was darted with 1.5mg Etorphine and 10mg Azaperone. The snare was removed and the anaesthetic reversed with 40mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is favorable.
Case 16 – 18th September 2021 Zebra
Snared
Marula Estates, Naivasha
The Unit received information from informers about an injured zebra within Marula Estates. An extensive search was commenced, and the zebra was located after three days. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The male zebra had a wound caused by a snare on the right hind leg. The wound was cleaned with water and Iodine. A fly repellant and 2.5% Oxytetracycline powder were also added. The zebra was also administered 6,000mg Betamox, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 3ml Noromectin and 40ml Butasal. Prognosis of the case is guarded.
Case 17 – 19th September 2021 Zebra
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Manera Farm, Naivaisha
This case was reported by our informers at Manera farm through WRTI security. The zebra was being chased by dogs and was injured. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had lost a lot of blood and the abdominal cavity was open and parts of the large colon & intestines had popped out and had been heavily contaminated with soil. As the prognosis was poor, the zebra was euthanized to prevent further suffering.
Case 18– 24th September 2021 Giraffe
Snared
Hippo Point, Naivasha
This case was reported by Richard Hartley of Mundui Estates Ltd. The search & rescue was assisted by Kongoni Game Valley staff. The giraffe was darted with 13mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The female giraffe had a wire snare on the left hind leg that had caused an injury. The wound was cleaned with water and tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal®) was added then the zebra was administered with 18,000mg Adamycin, 40ml Introvit, 2,000mg Phenylbutazone and 8ml Noromectin. Prognosis is good.
Case 19 – 24th September 2021 Zebra
Snared
Gilgil
This case was reported by informer through the Naivasha sub–County Warden. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had a nylon rope snare on the left front leg which was deep seated in the wound. The wound was cleaned with water and Iodine then sprayed with a fly repellant. Then the zebra was given 12,000mg Adamycin, 250mg Flumeg, 40ml Butasal and 4ml Noromectin. The anesthetic was reversed, and the prognosis is favorable.
Case 20– 25th August 2021 Buffalo
Snared
Hells Gate National Park
The SW Hell’s Gate NP reported that a buffalo had been tethered to a tree by a snare at Bird Hide area. The buffalo was darted with 10mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The buffalo had a winch wire snare on the horns and was tightly tethered on a tree. The winch wire was deep seated and the eyes had swollen. The buffalo was administered 12,000mg Adamycin, 20mg Colvasone and 5ml Noromectin. The Unit also recovered other winch wire snares, cooking pots, jelly cans, blankets, clothes and nylon sacks owned by poachers. Prognosis of the case is favourable.
Case 21– 25th September 2021 Jackal
Natural Causes
Hells Gate National Park
This case was reported SW Hell’s Gate NP. The jackal was darted with 80mg Ketamine and 2mg Medetomidine. On clinical examination the jackal had suffered closed fractures on 3 legs. The hind legs were also paralyzed. The jackal had a poor prognosis, therefore was put to rest using 2,000mg Sodium phenobarbitone given by IV route.by SQ route
Case 22– 27th September 2021 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Hippo Point, Naivasha
This case was reported by Richard Hartley of Mundui Estates Ltd. Examination and treatment The buffalo calf had pale mucous membranes and was dull, immobile and recumbent. The calf was on a poor plain of nutrition. The circulatory system had collapsed and the calf was in shock. The calf was heavily infested by ticks and was in poor body condition, (score of 1 to 2). The buffalo was administered with 6,000mg Adamycin® 30% LA (Oxytetracycline) by IM route, 10ml Butasal (Interchemie) (Butafosfan + Vit B12, Cyanocobalamin) by IM route, 3ml Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) by SQ route, Ringers Lactate IV infusion and 5% Dextrose IV infusion sol. The calf woke up and attempted to fight the medical team but then became recumbent again. Later in the afternoon the Unit repeated fluid therapy by administering Dextrose 50% iv infusion, Normal Saline (NS) IV Sol and Ringers Lactate IV infusion Skin Ectopor as a pour on Acaricide was also administered. The calf woke up and walked for some distance. Prognosis of this case is guarded.
Case 23 – 27th September 2021 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Hippo Point, Naivasha
This case was reported by Richard Hartley of Mundui Estates Ltd. This buffalo calf was less than one month old. The calf was comatose and in poor body condition, score of 1 to 2 (Body condition scoring: 1=Very Poor, 2 = Poor, 3= Fair, 4= Good, 5 = Excellent). On clinical examination one of the horns and cranium was infected, maggots ridden and gangrenous. The calf had a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, the calf succumbed during clinical examination.
Case 24 – 28th September 2021 Hyena
Snared
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
This hyena had been trapped then transported in a cage to WRTI by Soysambu Conservancy staff. The hyena was hand injected with a combination 200mg Ketamine and 2mg Medetomidine. The hyena had a wire snare embedded in the tissues of the neck. The wounds were cleaned with water and rinsed with Iodine then covered with eye ointment and Alamycin spray. The hyena was also given 900mg Betamox, 2ml Noromectin and Colvasone. We reversed the hyena from anesthesia using Atipamizole 15mg given by IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 25 – 28th September 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Manera Farm, Naivasha
The Unit stumbled on this case while on patrol in Manera farm. The zebra was in poor body condition, (score of 1 to 2) and was emaciated with a pot bellied apperance.. The mucous membranes were pale and the neck was swollen and edematous. The zebra could not stand up. Manera farm pastures have been depleted. The total number of herbivores present (wildlife and domestic animals) is beyond the carrying capacity of the land. Many animals are dying due to starvation. Lake Naivasha water has claimed much of the pasture. This zebra had a poor prognosis and therefore was put to rest to prevent further suffering.
Case 26 – 28th September 2021 Wildebeest
Snared
Manera Farm, Naivasha
This case was reported by ASTU staff based in Lower KALRO. The wildebeest was darted with a combination of 6mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. On examination the wildebeest had a wire snare on the neck which had also wrapped around the horn. The snare was removed and the anesthetic was reversed with 36mg Diprenorphine by IV and IM route. Prognosis of this case is good.
Case 27 – 30th September 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
This case was reported by rangers in WRTI-Main campus. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone . The zebra had suffered suspected tumors/sarcoids on the withers region. The three tumors were surgically excised then the wounds were sutured. A fly repellant Alamycin spray plus tincture of Iodine were added. The zebra also administered Betamox® LA (Amoxicillin trihydrate) 9,000mg by IM route, Phenylbutazone 20% (AGRAR Holland) 800mg by IV route Butasal (Butafosfan+Vit B12, Cyanocobalamin) 20ml by IM route and Noromectin® 1% w/v (Ivermectin) 4mL by SQ route. Reversal and Prognosis The zebra was reversed from the anesthesia using Diprenorphine 36mg given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is favorable.
Case 28 – 30th September 2021 Eland
Post-mortem
Morendat North Farm, Naivasha
This case was reported by Naivasha sub county Warden. Post-mortem Examination The Unit examined an eland carcass which was lying on right lateral recumbency. The carcass had been mauled by predators on the abdominal region. It was approximately 2 days old and had putrefied and the post mortem was not conclusive. Nevertheless, this was an old eland who has lost all incisor teeth. The herd size was 3 in number and the remaining 2 were in good health