SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT APRIL 2022
Introduction
4 Cases in April
1 Elephant Case
April Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan The month of April was marked by cooler temperatures and moderate showers of rain being received in most parts of the Meru ecosystem. The deciduous trees slowly turned green and most rivers were filling up again. This has seen a rise in the availability of forage and drink for wildlife which is expected to last for the next couple of months. During the month in question, the Meru Veterinary team attended to 3 cases. A female impala was treated for bilateral conjunctivis in Meru N. Park, an autopsy of a juvenile elephant was carried out in Noloroi area and a female dog attached to the Meru Rhino unit received prophylactic treatment against trypanosomiasis. The Vet also participated in a 10 days wildlife surveillance exercise in Meru National Park and Bisanadi National Reserve. Acknowledgement The effective undertaking of the different veterinary interventions by the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit was possible due to the support enjoyed from The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Sylvie Chantecaille. It is through such timely interventions, that see wild animals freed from pain, suffering and remain in good health. The unit also appreciates support from Kenya Wildlife Service through the Senior Assistant Director Eastern Conservation Area and the Head of KWS Veterinary Department.
Case Details Species
Area Found
5-Apr-22
Antelope
Meru National Park
Natural Causes
8-Apr-22
Elephant
Laikipia Environs
Postmortem
11-Apr-22
Other
29-Apr-22
Other
Date
Meru National Park Meru National Park
Reason for Intervention A female impala presenting with blepharospasm and partial blindness
Research/ Survey
Severely dehydrated juvenile elephant. Unfortunately, the elephant succumbed by the time the vet arrived Participated in a disease surveillance exercise in Meru National Park and Bisanadi National Reserve
Technical Case
Perform a prophylactic treatment against trypanosomiasis on one of the security dogs
Outcome Prognosis Poor Died Task Successful Task Successful
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations April 2022
Case 1 – 5th April 2022 Impala
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva which covers the white part of the eyeball. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections with severe cases causing corneal opacity leading to partial or complete blindness. The Meru Mobile Vet Unit received a report from KWS officials at Kinna HQs, Meru N. Park of a female impala presenting with blepharospasm and partial blindness. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Vet found the female impala in the shade at the Kinna HQs grounds. She was approached on foot and wasn’t startled due to impaired vision. She was manually restrained for examination and treatment. Physical examination revealed slight bilateral lacrimation and congestion of the conjunctiva. The eyes were examined for any foreign bodies but this was negative. She was diagnosed with bilateral conjunctivitis. A combination of Enrofloxacin and Dexamethasone was administered into the subconjunctiva of both eyes while 20mgs of Dexamethasone sodium and 1,500mgs Amoxicillin were administered intramuscularly. To manage internal parasites, 2mls of Ivermectin were administered subcutaneously. Faecal, tissue, hair, blood and tick samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Prognosis The prognosis for recovery is poor.
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Case 2 – 8th April 2022 Elephant
Post-mortem
Noloroi Area, Laikipia
The ripple effects due to the prolonged drought have been experienced in most parts of the Northern Conservation Area. Both livestock and wildlife have been affected with deaths being reported as a result of the scarcity of water. The Meru Vet Unit received a report from Julia Francombe of Samburu Trust of a severely dehydrated juvenile elephant in Noloroi area. The Vet constituted intravenous fluids and made haste to the said area but unfortunately the elephant succumbed by the time the vet arrived. Post-mortem Examination The Vet found the carcass on left lateral recumbency with parts of the eyes, perineum and internal organs feasted on by scavengers. Upon opening the carcass, the vet noted: • • • •
Low amount of peritoneal fluid Dry feed in the small intestines covered with mucus Congestion of the anterior lobe of the right lung Low amount of feed in both the proximal ileum and distal colon
Cause of death The post-mortem findings pointed to impaction as the cause of death arising from lack of water.
Case 3 – 1st to 11th April 2022 Mixed
Research/Survey
Meru National Park/Bisanadi
The Meru Mobile Unit together with a team from the KWS Vet department in Nairobi participated in a disease surveillance exercise in Meru National Park and Bisanadi National Reserve. The disease surveillance plays part in a collaborative project with an aim of estimating the burden of three among ten priority zoonotic diseases (Rift Valley Fever, Q Fever and Brucellosis) and their co-infections across the wildlife, livestock and human interface in Meru County, Kenya. The study involved a collaboration between the Kenya Wildlife Service, Wildlife Research and Training Institute and the International Livestock Research Institute.
Different capture techniques were employed depending on the target wildlife species. These include physical/manual restrain and chemical immobilization techniques. Linear nets were used for impalas and warthogs while chemical immobilization was used for the other target species. Target animals were approached by a vehicle and darted with a combination of an opioid; Etorphine and a tranquilizer; Azaperone. The drug dosages were determined using species, age and sex ratio. Naltrexone or diprenorphine are opioid antagonists were used for anaesthesia reversal. The attending veterinarians always monitored vital parameters during the anaesthesia and administered corrective measures where necessary. During the study 83 animals were sampled comprising of six wildlife species: Reticulated giraffes, common zebras, warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks and Impalas. Samples collected included whole blood, serum, tissue samples, fecal, hair, ticks, vaginal and nasal swabs.
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Case 4 – 29th April 2022 Security Dog
Technical Case
Meru National Park
Trypanosomiasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by tsetse flies. This disease caused by a protozoa of genus Trypanosoma affects both domestic and wild animals. It presents with intermittent fever, anemia and weight loss and in chronic cases leading to high mortalities. The Meru Vet team visited the Meru Rhino HQs to perform a prophylactic treatment against trypanosomiasis on one of the security dogs. Vaccination The dog was allowed to walk around and familiarise herself with the vet before proceeding with a physical examination. She was noted to be active, alert, in good body condition and with a smooth hair coat. She was fitted with a muzzle before drug administration. A volume of Triquin (Quinapyramine sulphate and Quinapyramine chloride) was administered subcutaneously into the left side of the neck. Drug concentration was depended on the dog’s body weight. Prognosis Since no adverse reactions were observed after drug administration, the prognosis is good.