SWT/KWS MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

FEBRUARY 2023

Introduction

12 Cases in February

February Report by Dr.

Ndambiri Ephantus

7 HWC Cases

5 Elephant Cases

As drought ravages the Mara Ecosystem, the scramble for scarce resources has been compounded by cattle incursion into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Consequently, this has led to dire human-wildlife conflict as exhibited by the large number of cases attended to involving spear injuries. The situation can only improve if cattle incursion into the reserve is discouraged, and we are once again blessed with rain. The Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 11 Cases in total in February; 7 of these cases were related to human -wildlife conflict. Animals attended to in February included 5 elephant cases, 4 lion cases, 1 wildebeest case and 2 cheetah cases.

Acknowledgement

The Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit team greatly appreciates Elizabeth Scarlett for funding the Unit through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Additionally, the team would also like to thank all the conservation partners within the Mara ecosystem who have contributed to the success of veterinary interventions through timely reporting of veterinary cases, tracking, and monitoring treated animals. We owe our success to all of you.

Case Details

February 2023

Wildebeest Snared Naibosho Conservancy

While driving through the conservancy, the Naibosho Conservancy Manager came across an adult male wildebeest with a long plain wire snare around its neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The wildebeest was found in open savannah among many small, scattered grazing herds. The animal kept kicking and licking the snare as it tried to remove it The wildebeest was darted from a distance with 8 mgs Etorphine and 100 mgs Azaperone on the left lumbar area. However, the dart failed to discharge its contents, and the animal was darted again 20 minutes later. The 2nd dart successfully immobilized the wildebeest in 4 minutes. A blindfold was placed on the animal’s forehead, and it was doused with water to cool its body given the high ambient temperature. The snare around the wildebeest’s neck was removed. Fortunately, the snare had not inflicted any injury. The animal was in good body condition therefore no further treatment was necessary. Anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mgs Diprenorphine which achieved complete reversal in less than 3 minutes.

Prognosis

The wildebeest has a good prognosis