SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MAY 2022
Introduction
20 Cases in May
5 Poaching Cases
8 HWC Cases
May Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho The Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit attended 20 cases in May throughout the Rift Valley Region. Generally, there was a reduction in snaring/poaching cases but an increase in human-wildlife conflict cases. The majority of these cases were relocations of herbivores that were habitual crop raiders within farms and/or a danger to humans. There was also a zebra with a suspected panga or fence injury and a giraffe that died after it stepped on a covered pit latrine as well as several natural cases. Much of the area has still had some rainfall keeping the vegetation fresh for wildlife. Acknowledgement We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) and FIGs inc, for support, resources & sponsorship. We acknowledge Angela Sheldrick’s (SWT CEO), unwavering support. We highly appreciate Kenya Wildlife Service who supported the Unit by availing personnel and other equipment and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) for hosting staff at WRTI. We sincerely thank all stakeholders and scouts and who reported the cases in distress.
SWT/KWS Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations May 2022
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
3-May-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
3-May-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
4-May-22
Zebra
Gilgil
Snared
4-May-22
Zebra
Gilgil
HWC
4-May-22
Buffalo
Naivasha
HWC
5-May-22
Buffalo
Naivasha
HWC
5-May-22
Zebra
Lake Nakuru
Natural Causes
16-May-22
Zebra
Naivasha
18-May-22
Zebra
Naivasha
20-May-22
Zebra
Naivasha
21-May-22
Giraffe
Naivasha
23-May-22
Other
Naivasha
23-May-22
Zebra
Gilgil
23-May-22
Zebra
Gilgil
23-May-22
Zebra
Gilgil
Snared
24-May-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
27-May-22
Buffalo
Oserengoni Sanctuary
Snared
27-May-22
Antelope
Naivasha
Human Wildlife Conflict
29-May-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
31-May-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Translocated/relocated one (1) rogue male buffalo which was in a wheat farm Translocated/relocated 3 buffaloes which had invaded a crop field Puncture wound due to a piece of wood on the flank that had fractured a rib
Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Task Successful Task Successful Task Successful Prognosis Poor
Snared
Snared by a winch wire on the left front leg
Successfully Treated
Natural Causes
Lame due to overgrown hooves
Successfully Treated
The zebra had suffered a sharp object cut/wound on the right hind leg
Successfully Treated
The giraffe stepped on a covered pit latrine and fell through
HWC Death
His demeanor was dull and looked lethargic. Had slightly laboured
Successfully Treated
Had bite wounds to the tail. Also needed to be relocated
Successfully Treated
Relocated due to crop raiding
Task Successful
Suffered deep cuts due to a wire snare around the Chest Had severely wounded on the neck by a wire snare Snared on the left front leg by a wire and was tugging a log of wood
Successfully Treated Prognosis Poor Successfully Treated
Translocated a male hartebeest to Hill Cake area
Successfully Treated
A male zebra wounded on both hind legs due to a territorial fight Had been tethered on electric post by a ground snare on right front leg
Successfully Treated Successfully Treated
Human Wildlife Conflict Human Wildlife Conflict Natural Causes Human Wildlife Conflict Human Wildlife Conflict
The zebra had a wire snare on the neck. The zebra was also infested with ticks The cause of lameness was due to excessive hoof growth Snared by a winch wire on the right hind leg
Outcome
The zebras were habitual crop raiders
Case 1 – 3rd May 2022 Zebra
Snared
Green Park, Naivasha
This case was reported by Green Park Security staff. Immobilisation, examination and prognosis This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had a snare around the neck which was removed. It was also infested with ticks. The zebra was also administered with 9,000mg Alamycin, 6ml Noromectin and Ectopor spot on for the ticks. The anaesthetic was reversed and the zebra given a good prognosis.
Case 2 – 3rd May 2022 Zebra
Snared
Peppercorn Farm, Naivasha
The zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra was examined and found to be lame due to excessive hoof growth. The hoof was treated by trimming and filling. The zebra was also given 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone and 20ml Catasol. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 3 & 4 – 4th May 2022 Zebra
Snared/ Human-Wildlife Conflict
Gil Gil Community
In Gilgil community farms neighbouring Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, there are 2 herds of zebras; one with 3 members and another with 8 members plus one foal. These zebras are habitual crop raiders and conflicted associated. Wire snaring and trapping of zebras has increased in this landscape. This was part of Problem Animal Control effort and alleviation of conflict(s). One of the target zebras also had a wire snare.
Immobilisation, examination, treatment and relocation The injured zebra was darted first with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The snare that was on the right hind leg was removed and the zebra administered with 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 5ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. The other members of the herd were also immobilised with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone then loaded under general anaesthesia on a pick-up truck and moved a distance of 3km from Gilgil community farms and safely released the animals at Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. The zebras should adjust well to the safer environment. The remaining 8 can be relocated at a later date.
Case 5 – 4th May 2022 Buffalo
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Marula Estates, Naivasha
The male buffalo had strayed into a human populated wheat farm within Marula Estates. This was a dangerous animal roaming and grazing on valuable wheat crop in the fenced off farmland We immobilized the buffalo with 9mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. The buffalo was translocated under general anesthesia on a trailer and moved for a distance of 10km within Marula Estates Ltd and safely released at the Hill Cake area within Marula Estates.
Case 6 – 5th May 2022 Buffalo
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Marula Estates, Naivasha
The 3 buffaloes had strayed into a human populated wheat and lucerne farm within Marula Estates. These were dangerous animals roaming and grazing on valuable wheat and lucerne crop in the fenced off farmland. Each of the buffaloes was immobilized with by 9mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. They were then loaded
under general anesthesia on a trailer and moved for a distance of 10 km within Marula Estates Ltd. One of the buffaloes was topped up with 500mg of Ketamine Hcl, because the level of general anesthesia was light. They were all safely released in the Hill Cake area within Marula Estates.
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Case 7 – 5th May 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Lake Nakuru National Park
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had suffered a puncture wound due to a piece of wood on the flank. The piece of wood had fractured one of the ribs and slightly injuring the lungs. The wood was removed and the wound cleaned liberally with water and disinfected with tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosal) was also added. We also administered 4,500mg Biocillin, 250mg Flumeg, 6ml Noromectin and 30ml Carasol. The prognosis is guarded as the injury to the lung and ribs is severe.
Case 8 – 16th May 2022 Zebra
Snared
Manera Farm, Naivasha
The zebra with a snare around the left front leg was reported by an informer at Manera Farm. The vet darted it with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The winch snare was removed from the left, then the wound was cleaned liberally with water, rinsed with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin fly repellant. It was also given Alamycin, Phenylbutazone, Noromectin and Catasol injections. Prognosis is good.
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Case 9 – 18th May 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Kedong Ranch, Naivasha
The Unit stumbled upon this case whilst conducting a routine patrol in the area. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Examination revealed the zebra was severely lame due to overgrown hooves. All the overgrown hooves were trimmed and filled. There was some degree of foot wound so they were also cleaned thoroughly and sprayed with Alamycin fly repellant. The zebra also received Alamycin, Phenylbutazone, and Noromectin injections. Prognosis is good.
Case 10 – 20th May 2022 Zebra
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Manera Farm, Naivasha
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Examination revealed the zebra had an injury to the right hind leg inflicted by a sharp object or cut wound. This could be from fencing or retaliation for crop raiding. The wound was cleaned liberally with water, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin fly repellant. Then the zebra was adminstered 9,000mg Biocillin, 300mg Flumeg, 5ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. Prognosis is good.
Case 11 – 21st May 2022 Giraffe
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Karagita Area, Naivasha
This male giraffe one among the herd of 5 giraffes of Rubiri area. This case was reported by Naivasha Sub County Warden On arrival at the scene, it was quickly established that the giraffe was already dead. The giraffe had become trapped at night as he stepped on a covered pit latrine hole which was in the someone’s backyard. We buried the carcass in the same pit latrine.
Case 12 – 23rd May 2022 Security Dog
Technical Case
Canine Unit, Naivasha
This case was reported by the Security staff based at the Canine Unit. Ram is geriatric patient. His demeanour was dull and helooked lethargic. His breathing was slightly laboured with pale mucous membranes. He had a slight bruise on the toes which were bleeding. He was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and given 600mg Biocillin and 400mg Colvasone. The toe wound was washed thoroughly, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin. He was reviewed on a daily basis and he made a quick recovery as expected.
Case 13 & 14 – 23rd May 2022 Zebra
Human Wildlife Conflict
Gil Gil Community Land
In Gilgil community farms neighboring Kigio wildlife conservancy, there are 3 herds of zebras; two with six individuals and one with two. These zebras are habitual crop raiders and associated with conflicte. Wire snaring and trapping of zebras has increased in this landscape. This was part of Problem Animal Control effort and alleviation of human wildlife conflict(s). Immobilisation, examination and treatment One of the zebras had been injured and suffered infected bite wounds on the tail. The zebra was immobilized first so the wounds could be cleaned with water and disinfected with Iodine. They were also sprayed with Alamycin fly repellant. The zebra was also given 7,500mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutaone and 4ml Noromectin. The male companion of this isolated group was then immobilized with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Relocation Both zebras were then loaded onto a pick-up whilst under general anesthesia and taken 3km away into the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 15 – 23rd May 2022 Zebra
Snared
Gil Gil Community Land
This case was reported by Kigio Wildlife Conservancy Manager. This was the matriarch in a herd of six zebras and much isolated herd. She had snare wrapped around the chest and armpits which had caused wounds. As she was heavily pregnant, it was decided not to translocate her at this time. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The snare was removed and the wounds cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin. She was also given 9,000mg Biocillin, 1,200mg Phenylbutazone and 8ml Noromectin. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 16 – 24th May 2022 Zebra
Snared
Kedong Ranch, Naivasha
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Examination revealed a tight wire snare around the neck which caused severe wounds. The neck was also kinked due to severe trauma. The snare was removed and the wounds cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin fly spray. The zebra was also given 6,000mg Biocillin, 1,200mg Phenylbutazone, 6ml Noromectin and 30ml Catasol. Prognosis is guarded due to the neck trauma.
Case 17 – 27th May 2022 Buffalo
Snared
Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary
This buffalo had been snared around the left front leg by a winch wire which was still attached to a log of wood. An informer alerted the Vet Unit. The buffalo was darted with 9mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. The wire and log were removed from the left and the resultant wound cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Fly Repellant. The buffalo also received 12,000mg Alamycin, 1,000mg Phenylbutazone and 5ml Noromectin.
Case 18 – 27th May 2022 Hartebeest
Human-Wildlife Conflcit
Marula Estates, Naivasha
On 27.05.2022 at Marula Estates - Crop area a male hartebeest needed to be moved to the Hill Cake area within Marula Estates. The hartebeest was darted using 5mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone. The hartebeest was an inhabitant in the crops area of Marula Estates and was very jittery of vehicles and people. To dart it, the vet had to chase it with the vehicle. The hartebeest was transported on a pick-up truck under general anesthesia. The hartebeest was reversed from the anesthesia using 36mg Diprenorphine in its new area where it will be safe. release site was Hill Cake area (GPS: 0°37'41'' S 36°22'40'' E). The exercise was successful.
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Case 19 – 29th May 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Game Farm, Naivasha
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Examination revealed the zebra had been injured on both hind legs, likely in a territorial fight. The wounds were claend thoroughly with water then disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin. The zebra was also given Alamycin, Phenlybutazone, Noromectin and Catasol. As the snare didn’t cause any injuries the zebra has a good prognosis.
Case 20 – 31st May 2022 Zebra
Snared
Karagita, Naivasha
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had been tethered to an electric post by right front leg by a ground winch wire snare. The snare was removed and the zebra freed from the fence then the wounds were washed with water and Iodine. Alamaycin spray was also applied before the zebra was administered with Alamycin and Phenylbutazone. Prognosis is good.