SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
OCTOBER 2024
1 Cases in October
October Report by Dr.
Aminga Duncan
October was characterized by overcast skies and breezy nights. Early in the month, there were light showers that prompted local communities within the Meru ecosystem to prepare their farms and begin planting in anticipation for the short rains season. Despite these early showers, the Meru ecosystem remained predominantly dry, with some areas experiencing vegetation loss and occasional fires. However, rainfall is expected in the coming days.
During this period, the unit responded to a wildlife incident at Loisaba Conservancy involving an adult elephant bull with a spear wound in its left flank, likely due to human-wildlife conflict. The spear was removed, the wound treated, and the prognosis for recovery was favourable.
For most of the month, the Meru Mobile Vet Unit was on annual leave for restocking and rejuvenation.
Acknowledgement
We extend our sincere gratitude to Sylvie Chantecaille for her generous financial support towards the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We also acknowledge and appreciate the managerial oversight provided by the Kenya Wildlife Service, under the leadership of the Senior Assistant Director for the Eastern Conservation Area and the Head of the KWS Veterinary Services Department. Additionally, we thank the teams at Loisaba Conservancy for their valuable assistance during our interventions.
October 2024
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Loisaba Conservancy
While on routine patrol in Meru National Park, the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report of an adult elephant bull in Loisaba Conservancy with a spear embedded in its left flank. Given the severity of the injury and the distress experienced by the elephant, immediate veterinary intervention was deemed critical. To expedite the response, a fixed-wing aircraft from Loisaba Conservancy was deployed to ferry the Veterinary Team to the conservancy.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
With support from Loisaba Conservancy Teams, the elephant was cautiously approached using a vehicle and darted on the right rump with 17mgs Etorphine hydrochloride. The drug took effect a few minutes later, and the elephant became recumbent, lying on its left side the side where the spear was lodged. The animal was quickly secured and carefully repositioned to lie on its right lateral side. To prevent ocular damage and reduce visual stimulation, the ears were flipped over the eyes, and the body was generously doused with water to assist in thermoregulation.
The spear, estimated to have been embedded for approximately four days, was carefully extracted, having penetrated about one foot into the body tissues. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water, debrided using Hydrogen peroxide, irrigated with Iodine, infused with antibiotic pessaries and antibiotic cream, and packed with green clay before being covered with antibiotic aerosol spray. A minor swelling was also observed adjacent to the spear wound. Upon examination, it was determined to be from an old injury. 30,000 mgs Amoxicillin, 100mgs Dexamethasone sodium, and 10,000mgs Cyanocobalamin were administered intramuscularly then the anaesthesia was reversed 10 minutes later with 250mgs Naltrexone via a prominent ear vein, an additional 100mgs was administered intramuscularly. The elephant regained consciousness 3 minutes later and slowly walked away.
prognosis
The elephant bull has a favourable prognosis for recovery. Loisaba Teams will continue to monitor his recovery.
