SWT/KWS Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Report for March 2023

SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

MARCH 2023

Introduction

20 Cases in March 14 Poaching Cases

March Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho

1 Elephant Case

The areas around Lake Naivasha and the Central Rift Conservation Area in general was dry for most of the month. Towards the end of the March, seasonal rains were experienced in many places. The Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 20 cases in total in March. Most of these cases (14) were related to poaching, 2 cases were related to human – wildlife conflict, 3 cases were attributed to natural causes and 1 case was an autopsy involving a gravely ill elephant cow.

Acknowledgement

We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) and FIGS for their support and sponsorship. We also acknowledge Angela Sheldrick, CEO -SWT, for her unwavering support. Additionally, we appreciate Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for proving equipment, coordination and managerial oversight. We also acknowledge the Wildlife Research & Training Institute (WRTI) for hosting the Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit. We sincerely thank all stakeholders and scouts who reported wildlife in distress. Thank you all.

Case Details

March 2023

Case 1 – 13th March 2023

Zebra Snared Peppercorn Farm

The owners of Peppercorn Farm reported a male zebra foal with a snare around its neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra foal was darted with 3 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. Upon physical examination, it was observed that the foal’s neck had been bruised by the snare. The snare was removed then a fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal) was administered. Anaesthesia was then reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route to avoid re-narcotization. The zebra foal has a good prognosis.

Case 2 – 12th March 2023

Zebra Snared

Kedong Ranch - Maraigushu Area

While on routine patrol, the Vet Unit came across an adult female zebra with a nylon rope snare on the left hind leg. The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 100 mg Azaperone. After the snare was removed, the wound it had inflicted was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellent. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and an anti-parasitic were administered accordingly then anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. The zebra has a good prognosis.

Case 3 – 12th March 2023

Zebra Natural Causes

Elementaita Weavers Estate

Elementaita Weavers Estate owners reported a lame male zebra foal. Chemical immobilization was achieved by darting with 1.5 mg Etorphine and 10 mg Azaperone. The zebra foal was found to have suffered a dislocation of the shoulder joint. The scapular joint was swollen and inflamed due to a traumatic injury. The front leg had also suffered bruises. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosal) was administered. 1,500 mg Amoxicillin, 100 mg Flunixin meglumine and 20 ml Catasol were administered intramuscularly and 2 ml Ivermectin injected subcutaneously. Thereafter, anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route to avoid re-narcotization. The zebra foal has a favourable prognosis.

Case 4 – 14th March 2023

Zebra

Arrow

Kamnarok

National Reserve - Baringo

The KWS Baringo Warden reported that a zebra stallion had been shot with an arrow on the left hind leg. The injured zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. No foreign body was found in the penetrating wound on the left hind leg. The wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellent. Anti-biotics, anti-inflammatories and an anti-parasitic were administered before anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. The zebra has a good prognosis.

Case 5 – 15th March 2023

Buffalo Snared Kedong Ranch – Impala Area

Residents of Kedong ranch - Impala Area reported an adult female buffalo with a winch wire snare on the right hind leg. The buffalo was immobilized with 9 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone placed in Dan-Inject dart. It was observed that the buffalo cow had been wounded by the long winch wire snare on its right hind leg. Once the snare was removed, the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine then sprayed with a fly repellent. 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline, 350 mg Flunixin meglumine and 5 ml Ivermectin were administered accordingly. Thereafter anaesthesia was reversed with 225 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route.

Case 6 – 15th March 2023

Oryx Natural Causes

Marula Estates – Hill Cake Area

Marula Estates management reported a female fringe eared oryx that was debilitated and had no appetite. The oryx was darted with 6 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. The animal was severely infected with ticks, it was in a low plain of nutrition and its body condition was poor. 12,000mg Oxytetracycline, 250 mg Flunixin meglumine, 4 ml Ivermectin and 20 ml Catasol were administered before anaesthesia was reversed with 125 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route to avoid re-narcotization. The oryx has a good prognosis.

Case 7 – 16th March 2023

Zebra Snared Crater Lake Conservancy Environs

The KWS Naivasha Station reported a zebra stallion, in community land opposite Crater Lake Conservancy, with a winch wire snare on its left front limb. The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Upon closer examination, it was found that the snare had wounded the zebra’s leg. The snare was removed then the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellent Additionally, 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline and 350 mg Flunixin meglumine were administered intramuscularly. 5 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. The zebra has a good prognosis.

Case 8 – 18th March 2023

Zebra

Snared Kedong Ranch

Kedong ranch residents reported an adult female zebra with a winch wire snare on the left front limb. The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Closer examination revealed that the snare had severed some of the flexor tendons. The snare was removed then the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and a fly repellent applied Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and an anti-parasitic were administered then anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone. The zebra has a guarded prognosis.

Zebra Snared Kedong Ranch

Kedong ranch residents reported a male zebra foal with a winch wire snare on the right hind leg.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The foal was darted with 3 mg Etorphine and 50 mg Azaperone. Upon physical examination, it was found that the snare had wounded the zebra’s right hind leg severing some tendons. The wound had purulent discharge.

The snare was removed then the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine and sprayed with a fly repellent 4,500 mg Amoxicillin, 150 mg Flunixin meglumine and 20ml Catasol were administered intramuscularly while 2 ml Ivermectin was injected subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly.

Prognosis

The foal has a good prognosis

Case 10 – 20th March 2023

Elephant Post-mortem Kamnarok National Reserve

On 19th March 2023, the Kenya Wildlife Service – Kabarnet Station reported a sick adult female elephant. The Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit clinically examined and treated the elephant on 20th March 2023, but unfortunately the elephant died during treatment. An autopsy was carried out after the elephant passed away to determine the cause of death.

Examination and treatment

The elephant was found recumbent, it has lost many of the key reflexes including trunk, ears, eyes and limbs movement. The elephant had a toe injury and an overgrown claw or growth on the left front leg which is a source of infection. Muscle degeneration and wasting was severe, and the animal was in poor body condition. There was also accumulation of fluid in the ventral abdomen(anasarca). The elephant was also severely dehydrated as the eyes were sunken. There was no response upon administration of emergency therapy including IV fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and multivitamin. The elephant was comatose and breathing was shallow and irregular; mucous membranes were turning bluish and dry; and venous blood was dark in colour. The elephant had a poor prognosis and died while undergoing treatment.

Post-mortem findings

Gelatinization of body fat, including fat tissue in the muscles; increased fluid in ventral abdomen; gelatinization and reduced omental fat; gelatinization of coronary band fat; petechiae and paint brush haemorrhages on the surface of the heart; gelatinization of the fat covering the kidneys; pus in the uterus –Pyometra.

Cause of death

This elephant died due to multiple organ failure caused by malnutrition and uterine infection. Bacterial toxins were in circulation for prolonged period. The lameness was a disability that limited the elephant’s search for water and forage during this prevailing drought.

Case 11 – 23rd March 2023

Zebra Human – Wildlife Conflict Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort

The resort had requested Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to relocate 2 male zebras that were damaging the golf course. There was also concern that the zebras could injure golfers as the animals chased each other and played on the golf course. Each zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 100 mg Azaperone and moved, one at a time with a low-level tractor trailer and while under general anaesthesia, 2 Km to the release site in Green Park Residential Area just across the fence. Anaesthesia reversal for each animal was achieved with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. The release was safely and efficiently executed thanks to support and co-operation from the management and staff at Great Rift Valley Lodge &

Golf Resort

Case 12 – 23rd March 2023

Zebra Snared Bushy Island

Bushy Island security staff reported a male zebra with a snare around the neck. The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 100 mg Azaperone. No injury on the zebra’s neck was observed. The snare was removed then anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. The zebra has a good prognosis.

Waterbuck Natural Causes Naivasha Country Club

KWS Naivasha station management reported a severely injured female waterbuck at Naivasha Country Club.

Examination and findings

The waterbuck was found to have suffered a fracture of the hind leg and spinal cord. Given the animal’s poor prognosis, it was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering. 4,000 mg Sodium pentobarbitone was administered intravenously, and the carcass was safely disposed at Wildlife Research and Training Institute

Case 14 – 26th March 2023

Zebra Snared

Wileli Conservancy

The SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit reported an adult female zebra with a long wire snare around its neck. The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 100 mg Azaperone. The snare had wounded the zebra’s neck. Once the snare was removed, the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellent. 6,000 mg Amoxicillin, 250 mg Flunixin meglumine, and 20 ml Catasol were administered intramuscularly. 4 ml Ivermectin was then administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. The zebra has a good prognosis.

Case 15 – 27th March 2023

Zebra Snared Loldia Conservancy

The SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit reported an adult female zebra with a long winch wire snare around the neck at Loldia Conservancy.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 100 mg Azaperone. Fortunately, the snare had not inflicted any wound The snare was removed then anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. The zebra has a good prognosis.

Case 16 – 29th March 2023

Zebra Snared

Olerai Farm

Olerai farm staff reported an adult female zebra snared with a long fence wire around the neck. The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 100 mg Azaperone. Luckily, the fence wire had not inflicted any injury. The snare was removed then anaesthesia was immediately reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. The zebra has a good prognosis.

Case 17 – 30th March 2023

Zebra Poaching Bushy Island

While searching for an injured waterbuck that was reported by security staff, the Vet Unit came across a lame adult female zebra. The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Upon examination, it was found that the zebra had been wounded by a sharp object. The wound was cleaned with water and rinsed with Iodine. Loosely hanging tissue was also surgically removed, and haemorrhage controlled by carefully clamping the blood vessels. The open wound was covered with Cloxacillin eye ointment and sprayed with a fly repellent. 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline and 350 mg Flunixin meglumine were administered intramuscularly while 5 ml Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. The zebra has a favourable prognosis.

Case 18 – 30th March 2023

Zebra Human – Wildlife Conflict Bushy Island

Security staff at Bushy Island reported an adult female waterbuck with its left front limb trapped in a piece of plumbing pipe. The waterbuck was darted with 6 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. Upon examination, it was found that the pipe had wounded the animal’s leg. The pipe was cut off then the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellent. Anti-biotics, anti-inflammatories, multivitamins and an anti-parasitic were administered accordingly then anaesthesia was reversed with 100 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route. The waterbuck has a good prognosis

Case 19 – 30th March 2023

Zebra Poaching

Elementaita Weavers

The owners of the property reported a zebra stallion that had been injured by a sharp object on the left hind leg. The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin fly repellent. 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline and 350 mg Flunixin meglumine were administered intramuscularly 5 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 75mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly.

The zebra has a good prognosis.

Case 20 – 31st March 2023

Zebra

Snared

Lentolia Conservancy

Security staff at Lentolia Conservancy reported a lame adult female zebra. The waterbuck was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Upon examination, it was found that the zebra had marked lameness since a wire snare had damaged the extensor tendon of the hind leg. 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline and 350 mg Flunixin meglumine were administered intramuscularly. 5 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 75mg Naltrexone given by IV and IM route. The zebra has a good prognosis.