SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JUNE 2022
Introduction
2 Cases in June
1 Poaching Case
1 Elephant Case
June Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan The Eastern Conservation Area has continued to grapple with the prevailing drought. As natural water pans have dried up, wild animals have been sustained by the declining flow of permanent rivers. We hope that the rains will fall soon so that once again there can be sufficient forage and water for wildlife. In June, the Meru Mobile Vet Unit attended to 2 cases. The 1st case involved an elephant cow that was treated for a bullet wound attributed to human-wildlife conflict while the 2nd case involved a snared zebra stallion. Acknowledgement The Meru Vet Unit acknowledges the funding and continuous support enjoyed from Sylvie Chantecaille and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Additionally, the unit appreciates the support received from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) through the Senior Assistant Director, Eastern Conservation Area and the Head, KWS Veterinary Department.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
08-June 22
Elephant
Kandebene Area
HWC
Lameness caused by a bullet wound on her right forelimb
Treated successfully
Zebra
Meru National Park
Snared
Gruesome wound around the neck caused by a deeply embedded wire snare.
Treated successfully
22-June 22
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations June 2022
Case 1 – 08th June 2022 Elephant
Human Wildlife Conflict
Kandebene Area – Meru Region
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report from the KWS team in Ruiri of a lame elephant cow seen in Kandebene area. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was herded by vehicle towards a clearing and darted on the shoulder with 15mg Etorphine. Full immobilization was achieved after 12 minutes on sternal recumbency, she was then pushed onto left lateral recumbency to facilitate examination. A 6-inch-deep penetrating bullet wound was found on her right forelimb at the carpus region. Bruises were also noted on her lumbar region. Her injuries were thought to have been sustained during a crop raiding incident in the neighbouring Isiolo County. The wounds were cleaned and flushed with water, Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. Antibiotic ointment was infused into the wound then Oxytetracycline pessaries and green clay were packed in. 40mg Dexamethasone sodium was administered intravenously and at the affected limb. Antibiotics and metabolic stimulators were also administered accordingly before reversing the anaesthesia with 24mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. Prognosis She rose 5 minutes post reversal and walked away. Her prognosis is favourable.
Case 2 – 22nd June 2022 Zebra
Snared
Meru National Park
The Meru Veterinary Unit while on routine patrol in Meru National Park came across a solitary zebra stallion with a gruesome wound around his neck caused by a deeply embedded wire snare.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was approached by vehicle and darted on the rump with 7 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. He was fully sedated in 5 minutes on right lateral recumbency. The wire snare was removed then the wound was cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide and flushed with Iodine. Green clay was then packed into the wound and covered with an antibiotic spray. To manage bacterial infections, internal/external parasites and inflammation, 6000mg Amoxicillin, 2mls Ivermectin and 40mg Dexamethasone sodium were administered parenterally. Metabolic stimulators were also administered before reversing the anaesthesia with 28mg Diprenorphine. He was up in 3 minutes. Prognosis Follow up monitoring will be carried out to check on the zebra’s recovery. He has a good prognosis.