SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT FEBRUARY 2022
Introduction
22 Cases in February
13 Poaching Cases
3 Predator Cases
January Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho Many parts of Lake Naivasha and the Central Rift Conservation Area have received sporadic showers. However, the region is generally experiencing a dry spell, with pasture and browse availability decreasing. During the month, the Unit performed general patrols and attended to 22 cases within various Farms and Ranches within Lake Naivasha as well as Soysambu, Lake Elementia and Lake Nakuru National Park. 13 of the cases were poaching related, all of which were snaring incidents. Three lions were also collared and 1 buffalo relocated as it strayed into a human population. 11 giraffes were also relocated from Soysambu to Lake Nakuru National Park due to the pressure on the habitat. Acknowledgement We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT), for support, resources & sponsorship for the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit. We acknowledge Angela Sheldrick’s (SWT CEO), steadfast support. Kenya Wildlife Service supported the activities by availing personnel and other equipment that ensured the activities were successful which is highly appreciated. We sincerely thank all stakeholders and scouts and who reported the cases in distress. Thank you all.
SWT/KWS Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations February 2022
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
1-Feb-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The zebra had been snared by a winch wire and plastic plate on the left front leg
Prognosis Poor
1-Feb-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
On physical examination the zebra had a wire snare on neck
Successfully Treated
1-Feb-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
The zebra had been snared and wounded by a winch wire snare on the left hind leg
Successfully Treated
3-Feb-22
Giraffe
Soysambu Conservancy
Relocation
11 Rothschild’s giraffes were moved into Lake Nakuru National Park
Task Successful
3-Feb-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
The zebra had been snared and wounded by a wire snare on the right front leg
Successfully Treated
4-Feb-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
On physical examination the zebra had a wire snare on neck
Successfully Treated
4-Feb-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The zebra had suffered a fracture of the left front leg caused by a wire snare
Died
5-Feb-22
Lion
Lake Nakuru National park
Collared
The old collar was removed and a new collar was deployed
Task Successful
5-Feb-22
Other
Naivasha
Snared
A hippopotamus was snared and tethered on a tree by a winch wire
Poaching Death
6-Feb-22
Lion
Lake Nakuru National park
Collared
The old collar was removed and a new collar was deployed
Task Successful
7-Feb-22
Lion
Lake Nakuru National park
Collared
The old collar was removed and a new collar was deployed
Task Successful
8-Feb-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
The zebra had been snared and wounded by a wire snare on the right hind leg
Successfully Treated
8-Feb-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
On physical examination the zebra had a wire snare on neck
Successfully Treated
22-Feb-22
Giraffe
Mau Region
Successfully Treated
23-Feb-22
Buffalo
Naivasha
23-Feb-22
Buffalo
Naivasha
Snared
The calf had suffered inflammation of the external ear and hematomas The buffalo had strayed into a human populated farm. It was a dangerous animal roaming the fenced farm The buffalo had been snared and wounded on the front leg by a winch wire
23-Feb-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The zebra had been injured, wounded and had abscess on hind leg
Successfully Treated
24-Feb-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
the zebra had suffered a 20 cm wide open wound caused by a predator
Prognosis Poor
25-Feb-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
Successfully Treated
28-Feb-22
Antelope
Naivasha
Snared
28-Feb-22
Waterbuck
Naivasha
Snared
28-Feb-22
Buffalo
Naivasha
Snared
Had inflamed ears and infection due to heavy tick infestation This female oryx had been snared by a nylon rope on the neck and horns Had a wire snare on the neck embedded into the tissues the buffalo had been snared on the left front leg by a nylon rope
Natural Causes Human Wildlife Conflict
Task Successful Successfully Treated
Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated
Case 1 – 1st February 2022 Zebra
Snared
Marula Estates, Lake Naivasha
We stumbled on this case on our way to Soysambu Conservancy. This case had proved elusive as we had searched for this zebra 1 week ago but had failed to sight the zebra Immobilisation, examination and treatment This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had been snared, injured and wounded by a winch wire and had a plastic plate on the left front leg. The wound was cleaned liberally with water and Hydrogen peroxide then rinsed thoroughly with tincture of Iodine. The wound was also sprayed with a fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosal). The zebra was also administered with 6,000mg Betamox, 200mg Flumeg (Flunixin) and 4ml Noromectin. Reversal and Prognosis The anesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is guarded.
Case 2 – 1st February 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
Both case 2 and 3 were reported by Soysambu Conservancy The zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had a wire snare around the ncek and had traumatic injuries to the vulva. The snare was removed and the zebra administered with 6,000mg Betamox, 200mg Flumeg and 4ml Noromectin. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 3 – 1st February 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Soysambu Conservancy
The zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The winch wire snare around the left hind leg was removed and the wound cleaned with water and Iodine then sprayed with fly repellent. The zebra was then given 9,000mg Alamycin, 200mg Flumeg, 4ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasols. The prognosis of the case is favourable.
Case 4 – 3th February 2022 Giraffe
Relocation
Soysambu Conservancy
On 03.02.2022 at Soysambu Conservancy-Congreve area we successfully made a wildlife drive and 11 Rothschild’s giraffes were moved into Lake Nakuru NP as the Conservancy habitat could not support the population. Part of the Lake Nakuru NP fence was pulled down to facilitate this movement. The Unit worked together with Lake Nakuru NPRV, Rhino security team and Fence technicians. The giraffes are now enjoying abundant browse in Lake Nakuru NP.
Case 5 – 3rd February 2022 Zebra
Snare
Kasambara, Soysambu Conservancy
The Unit stumbled on this case while on patrol at Soysambu Conservancy. So the snare could be removed, the zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The resulting wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin wound spray as a fly repellant. Then the zebra was administered with 9,000mg Alamycin, 200mg Flumeg, 4ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. Prognosis is favourable.
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Case 6 – 4th February 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
This case was reported by Soysambu Conservancy staff. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The wire snare was removed from around the neck, but no further treatment was required. The anesthesia was reversed and the zebra given a good prognosis.
Case 7 – 4th February 2022 Zebra
Snared
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This case was reported by high way road drivers The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had suffered a fracture of the left front leg caused by a wire snare. The case had a poor prognosis. The zebra was put to rest using 4,000mg Sodium phenobarbitone.
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Case 8 – 5th February 2022 Lion
Collaring
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lion collaring is part of the collaborative research work between Leiden University (Netherlands) and Kenya Wildlife Service. A research project work is being undertaken by one PhD student from Kenya & 2 Masters students from Netherlands under the supervision of Prof. Hans (Leiden University). The lion was darted using 300mg Ketamine and 4mg Medetomidine. The first dart was not quite effective. An additional dart with the same dosage was required for full immobilization. The old collar was removed and a new collar was deployed.
Case 9 – 5th February 2022 Hippopotamus
Snared
Finely Hospital, Naivasha
The hippopotamus was darted using Butorphanol Azaperone Medetomidine (BAM) at a ratio of 150:200:150 (mg). Two darts were prepared, adequate to take the equivalent volume of BAM required for effective and stable immobilization. The hippopotamus had been snared and tethered by a winch wire on a tree for more than 48 hours. After the snare was removed the anaesthetic was reversed but the hippopotamus failed to stand up due to complications of prolonged lack of feed and hyperthermia. The case had a guarded to poor prognosis. The hippopotamus unfortunately died after 48 hours.
Case 10– 6th February 2022 Lion
Collaring
Lake Nakuru Nationa Park
This is another lion that is collared as part of the collaborative research between Leiden University and the Kenya Wildlife Service. The lion was darted with 300mg Ketamine and 4mg Medetomidine. For effective and stable immobilization an additional top up (100mg Ketamine) was required for full immobilization. The old collar was removed and a new collar was deployed. The lion was reversed from the anesthesia using 250mg Atipamizole (Antissedan®) after 60 minutes. The exercise was successful.
Case 11 – 7th February 2022 Lion
Collaring
Lake Nakuru National Park
As part of the continued research work, as noted in the previous two cases. This lion also required a replacement collar. The lion was darted with 300mg Ketamine and 4mg Medetomidine. This was effective and produced effective immobilization and stable general anaesthesia. The old non-functional collar was removed and the lion reversed from the anaesthesia after 60 minutes. The exercise was successful.
Case 12 – 8th February 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
Both case 12 and 13 were reported by Soysambu Conservancy staff. This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. He had been snares and wounded on the right hind leg. The wound was cleaned with water and disinfected with Iodine, then sprayed with a fly repellant. Then the zebra was given 9,000mg Alamycin, 200mg Flumeg, 4ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. Prognosis is favourable.
Case 13 – 8th February 2022 Zebra
Snare
Soysambu Conservancy
The zebra was immobilized with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. A wire snare was removed from the zebra’s neck. Thankfully it had not caused any damage. The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis is good.
Case 14 – 22nd February 2022 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Kruger Farm, Naivasha
The giraffe was darted with 4.5mg Etorphine and 20mg Azaperone. On clinical examination the calf had suffered inflammation of the external ear and hematomas. The inflamed ear was cleaned liberally with water and rinsed thoroughly with tincture of Iodine, then sprayed with fly repellant. The giraffe was also administered with 5ml Noromectin, 9,000mg Alamycin, 300mg Flumeg, 20ml Catasol and Ectopor spot on to control ticks and flies. The giraffe should make a full recovery.
Case 15– 23rd February 2022 Buffalo
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Morendat Farm, Naivasha
This case was reported by the Naivasha Sub - County warden. The buffalo had strayed into a human populated farm. It was a dangerous animal roaming the fenced farm. The buffalo was scared and aggressive so was immobilized with 8mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. It was light anesthesia which was topped up with 500mg of Ketamine Hcl. The buffalo was loaded onto a trailer whilst under general anesthesia and moved 8 km across the Naivasha Nakuru High Way and safely released at Morendat South farm bordering Lake Naivasha.
Case 16– 23rd February 2022 Buffalo
Snared
Lake Elementaita
The buffalo was immobilized with 9mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. The buffalo had a winch wire snare around the front leg. The snare had injured the leg and the wound was cleaned with water and rinised/disinfected with Iodine. The wound was then sprayed with fly repellant and the buffalo administered with 12,000mg Alamycin, 1,000mg Phenylbutazone, 5ml Noromectin and 30ml Catasol. He should make a full recovery and has been given a good prognosis.
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Case 17– 23rd February 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Peppercorn Farm, Naivasha
This zebra was darted using 5mg etorphine plus 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had an abscess and wound on the hind leg. The wound and abscess were cleaned liberally with water. The abscess was cauterized with Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with Iodine. Fly repellant was also sprayed on the wound and abscess. Lastly, the zebra was given 6,000mg Biocillin, 250mg Flumeg, 5ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. Prognosis is good.
Case 18– 24th February 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Olerai Farm, Naivasha
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had suffered a 20 cm wide open wound. The cause of the wound is due to a bite by a predator. The wound had some degree of healing and infection and it was cleaned liberally with water and rinsed thoroughly with Normal Saline and tincture of Iodine then sprayed with a fly repellant. The zebra was also given 6,000mg Biocillin, 1,000mg Phenylbutazone, 5ml Noromectin, 20ml Catasol and Ectopor Spot On against ticks and flies. The prognosis is favorable to guarded.
Case 19– 25th February 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Green Park, Naivasha
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. It had suffered inflamed ears and infection due to heavy tick burden and infestation. The zebras was given 12,000mg Alamycin, 300mg Flumeg, 5ml Noromectin, 20ml Catasol and Ectospor to control the ticks and flies. The prognosis is good.
Case 20– 28th February 2022 Oryx
Snared
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This female oryx had been snared by a nylon rope on the neck and horns. oryx was darted with 6mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone so the rope could be removed. It had not caused any injuries, so the exercise was swift and no further treatment was required.
Case 21– 28th February 2022 Waterbuck
Snared
Lake Naivasha
The waterbuck was darted with 6mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone dart. The water buck was heavily pregnant and had a wire snare on the neck embedded into the tissues. Once the snare was removed, the tissue wound was cleaned liberally with water and tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant was also sprayed onto the wound. Then the waterbuck was given 6,000mg Biocillin, 250mg Flumeg, 4ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. The prognosis is good.
Case 22– 28th February 2022 Buffalo
Snared
Kedong Ranch, Naivasha
This case was reported by KWS investigations officer(s) The buffalo was immobilized with 9mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone.
On clinical examination the buffalo had been snared and wounded on the left front leg by a nylon rope. The wound was cleaned liberally with water and rinsed thoroughly with tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol) was added. Then the buffalo was given 12,000mg Alamycin, 1,000mg Phenylbutazone, 5ml Noromectin and 30ml Catasol. The anesthetic was reversed and the buffalo given a good prognosis for recovery.