SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT DECEMBER 2023
Introduction
4 Cases in December
2 Poaching Cases
1 Giraffe Case
December Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan Showers persisted across the Meru Conservation Area in December transforming the landscape into a lush, vibrant green expanse and reinvigorating rivers that were once subdued. This favourable weather is anticipated to ensure an ample supply of forage and water and contribute to the overall well-being of the wildlife within the ecosystem in the coming months. There was a discernible decrease in reported wildlife cases in December, the SWT-KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 4 cases in total. This included a sub-adult reticulated giraffe bull in Garissa with a winch wire around the neck, and an adult female spotted hyena in Meru National Park with a wire snare around the neck. Thankfully, both cases have a good prognosis for recovery. The Meru Veterinary team also conducted a comprehensive 2-day community engagement exercise targeting residents around Imenti Forest. The primary objective was to investigate potential correlations between the recent elevated mortality rate of elephants in Imenti Forest and prevalent livestock diseases. Additionally, the vet administered prophylactic treatment against trypanosomiasis to a tracker dog named Pecker attached to the Meru Rhino Canine Unit. Acknowledgement The unwavering and generous financial support the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit continues to receive from Sylvie Chantecaille through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is greatly appreciated. Thanks to this support, the veterinary team has been able to care for wildlife and habitat in the Meru ecosystem. The vital managerial oversight and logistical support provided by Kenya Wildlife Service through the Senior Assistant Director Eastern Conservation Area and the Head of KWS-Veterinary Services Department is also earnestly recognized. Furthermore, the collaborative efforts of all other conservation partners and individuals who reported wildlife cases and provided unwavering support during veterinary interventions is greatly valued. Your support makes it all possible.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
20-Dec 23
Elephant
Imenti Forest
Research/ Survey
Investigation of any potential correlation between observed elephant mortalities and diseases in local livestock.
Task successful
24-Dec 23
Hyena
Meru N.P.
Snared
Adult female spotted hyena with a wire snare around the neck.
Successfully treated
25-Dec 23
Giraffe
Garrisa
Snared
Sub-adult male Reticulated giraffe with a tight winch wire snare around the neck.
Successfully treated
28-Dec 23
Security Dog
Meru N.P.
Technical Case
Prophylactic treatment against trypanosomiasis for a security dog.
Successfully treated
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations December 2023
Report on the Community Engagement Exercise in the Vicinity of Imenti Forest from 20th December 2023 to 22nd December 2023 In response to the recent surge in elephant mortalities observed within Imenti Forest, the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit, in collaboration with teams assembled from various Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Departments, was assigned the responsibility of conducting a comprehensive community engagement exercise targeting the communities in the vicinity of Imenti Forest. The elephant carcasses exhibited a notable infestation of ticks, prompting suspicion of tick-borne diseases as the potential cause of mortality. The primary objectives of this initiative included investigating any potential correlation between observed elephant mortalities and diseases in local livestock. Additionally, the teams sought to identify instances of tick-borne mortalities in livestock surrounding the forest and collected samples (comprising blood and ticks) for subsequent laboratory analysis. The assessment extended to evaluating the intensity of Human-Wildlife Conflict in the area and ascertaining the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures implemented by KWS. In an altruistic gesture, the veterinary teams extended their services to attend to any sick or injured livestock encountered during the community engagement exercise. Furthermore, they provided valuable advice on animal husbandry issues in the homesteads they visited, exemplifying a commitment to giving back to the community. To gather comprehensive insights, a total of 48 questionnaires were administered to residents residing in both the Upper and Lower regions of the Imenti Forest. Following the exercise, a detailed report was prepared and subsequently submitted to KWS management for further consideration and action.
Case 2 – 24th December 2023 Hyena
Snared
Meru National Park
In the early morning hours on 24th December 2023, the Meru Mobile Veterinary team responded to a report received from Mr. Chimwaga, the KWS Warden in charge of Problematic Animal Control (PAC) in Meru National Park, of a female spotted hyena with a wire snare around its neck. Examination and treatment The hyena had been captured after causing trouble at Elsa's Kopje Lodge in Meru National Park and was contained in a cage trap. Upon conducting a thorough physical examination, the veterinarian determined that the female hyena was in good body condition, scoring 3 out of 5 on the assessment scale. Fortunately, the wire snare was found to be loose and had not caused any severe injuries to the hyena's neck. Given the hyena's containment in a cage trap and the manageable nature of the snare, there was no need for chemical immobilization. The team adeptly and cautiously approached the hyena, skilfully handled the loose wire snare, and carefully removed the snare without causing any distress to the inquisitive hyena. After the successful removal of the wire snare, the hyena was released in the No. 104 area within Meru National Park. Prognosis The hyena has a good prognosis.
Case 3 – 25th December 2023 Giraffe
Snared
Bour-Algy, Garissa
The SWT-KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit was informed about a sub-adult male reticulated giraffe in the Bour-Algy area within Garissa with severe injuries caused by a tight wire snare around its neck. Immobilisation, examination and treatment When the veterinarian arrived, the giraffe had vanished into the dense thicket. The teams decided to search for the giraffe early the next morning which happened to be Christmas day. Fortunately, the giraffe was spotted early morning within a tower comprising approximately 15 individuals. He was darted from vehicle on the chest muscles with a combination of 13 mgs Etorphine and 40 mgs Azaperone. Within 5 minutes the drugs had taken effect, he was expertly roped to the ground and immediately blindfolded. Anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mgs Naltrexone administered via the jugular vein. The winch wire snare had inflicted severe injuries on the animal’s neck. Once the snare was cut loose with wire cutters, the wounds were cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, irrigated with Iodine, and covered with an antibiotic aerosol to keep flies away. Intramuscularly, 7,500 mgs Amoxicillin and 120 mgs Dexamethasone sodium were administered. The giraffe was released 5 minutes later and galloped away to rejoin the other giraffes. Prognosis The giraffe has a good prognosis.
Case 4 – 28th December 2023 Security Dog
Technical Case
Meru National Park
Security dogs play a crucial role in combating poaching. However, they face the risk of contracting Trypanosomiasis, a highly fatal disease transmitted by Tsetse flies. Symptoms of this condition in affected dogs include anorexia, dehydration, weight loss, and, ultimately, succumbing to the illness. To protect these valuable canines, the Meru Veterinary team took preventive action by administering a Trypanosomiasis vaccination to Pecker, a female security dog stationed at the Meru Canine Unit. This ensures that she remains in optimal health and condition for her important duties. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Pecker was allowed to become acquainted with the veterinarian beforehand to prevent any excitement during the examination. Upon physical examination, it was observed that she was in good overall body condition, active, and alert. Her body weight was measured, and the appropriate drug dosages were calculated based on the recorded weight. 0.8 mls Triquin® (a combination of Quinapyramine sulphate & Quinapyramine chloride) was injected subcutaneously on the left side of her neck. No adverse reactions were observed after the drug administration. Prognosis Pecker has a good prognosis.