SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

MAY 2023

Introduction

7 Cases in May

May Report

by Dr. Titus Kaitho

3 Poaching Cases

1 Leopard Case

The Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 7 cases in May 2023. 3 of these cases involved common zebras with snare injuries while 3 other common zebra cases were attributed to natural causes. Sadly, one of the snared zebras was euthanized to alleviate further pain and suffering given its poor prognosis

The Veterinary Unit also attended to a leopard that was captured after it attacked and injured 2 people. The leopard’s front paw was found to have been amputated, most likely by a wire snare. It was treated and referred to the KWS HQs Nairobi Animal Orphanage & Nairobi Safari Walk for further care and management.

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 and interest in the work undertaken by the Mobile Veterinary Unit. Additionally, we 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

May

Zebra Snared Gilgil Area - Kamathatha

The Veterinary Unit’s informer at Kamathatha reported an adult male common zebra with a nylon rope snare on the right front limb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The snared right front limb had a septic wound with purulent discharge.

The nylon rope snare was removed then the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin fly repellent. 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline, 250 mg Flunixin Meglumine and 30 ml Catasol were administered intramuscularly. 4 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly.

Prognosis

The zebra has a favourable to guarded prognosis.

Zebra Snared Mlima Nungu Area – Marula Estates

The Veterinary Unit’s informer at Marula Estate – Mlima Nungu area reported a snared adult female zebra.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra was immobilized with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Upon physical examination, the zebra was found to have a grievous septic wound with purulent discharge on the right front limb.

The wound had been caused by a wire snare that had almost amputated the limb. The wound was severely infected, and maggot infested. Given the zebra’s poor prognosis, it was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering.

Prognosis

The zebra had a poor prognosis, it was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering

Zebra Natural Causes Manera Farm

While on routine patrol in Manera Farm, the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit came across a lame adult male zebra.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Upon physical examination, the zebra was observed to have swollen and inflamed joints on the front limbs.

The animal had overgrown hooves and attendant foot rot. Hoof trimming and filling was done then the hooves were sprayed with a fly repellent. To stop the foot rot, 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline was administered intramuscularly along with 250 mg Flunixin Meglumine. 4 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route.

Prognosis

The zebra has a good prognosis.

Zebra Snared Soysambu Conservancy

Soysambu Conservancy staff reported an adult female zebra with a wire snare on the right front limb

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra was immobilized with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The animal had a wire snare on the right front limb causing a septic wound with purulent discharge.

The snare was removed then the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with Alamycin fly repellent. 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline, 250 mg Flunixin Meglumine and 30 ml Catasol were administered intramuscularly. 4 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route.

Prognosis

The zebra has a favourable to guarded prognosis.

Zebra Natural Causes Oserian Dev. Company

Security staff at Swagger’s residence reported a male zebra foal exhibiting marked lameness. The foal had been treated at an earlier date by the Veterinary Unit.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra foal was darted with 1 mg Etorphine and 5 mg Azaperone.

Upon physical examination, it was found that the foal’s healing was satisfactory. However, the hock joint had fused and become immobile. This was the cause of marked lameness. A fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal) was sprayed on a minor bruise on the opposite leg. 3,000 mg Amoxicillin, 150 mg Flunixin meglumine and 20 ml Catasol were administered intramuscularly while 2 ml Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was then reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given by IV & IM route.

Prognosis

The zebra foal has a good prognosis.

Leopard Human-Wildlife Conflict KWS Naivasha Station

Hon. Warden Gary Hopcraft – Loldia Conservancy reported that an adult male leopard had been captured on 20.05.2023 with a leopard trap after it attacked and injured 2 people.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The leopard was darted with 240 mg Ketamine and 3 mg Medetomidine. Its left front paw was found to have been amputated, most likely by a wire snare. The leopard also had a fractured molar tooth, and its body condition was poor. Body condition score of 2 (where 1= Very poor; 2 = Poor; 3= Fair; 4= Good; and 5 = Excellent). The wound was cleaned with water and rinsed with Iodine. Opticlox® was thereafter applied topically followed by a fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal). 3,000 mg Amoxicillin, 6 mg Dexamethasone, 4 ml Ivermectin and 30 ml Catasol were administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 20 mg Atipamezole given intramuscularly 1-hour post-immobilization.

Prognosis

The leopard has a favourable to guarded prognosis It was referred to KWS HQs Nairobi Animal Orphanage & Nairobi Safari Walk for specialized care and management.