SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2022
Introduction
27 Cases in March
13 Poaching Cases
89% Success
March Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho Lake Naivasha and the Central Rift Conservation Area are now very dry with minimal rainfall. Generally, there is limited vegetation within the region but towards the end of the month the seasonal rains began which will hopefully rejuvenate the area. During the month, the Unit performed general patrols and attended to 27 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 involving 1 oryx, 2 giraffe and 10 zebras. The Unit was also involved in the assessment of the Lake Nakuru habitat and the other of Saiwa Swamp National Park. 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 March 2022
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
2-Mar-22
Zebra
2-Mar-22
Zebra
2-Mar-22
Zebra
2-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
2-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
3-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
3-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
12-Mar-22
Zebra
12-Mar-22
Soysambu Conservancy Soysambu Conservancy Soysambu Conservancy
Reason for Intervention Snared Snared Snared Natural Causes Natural Causes Natural Causes Natural Causes
Rhino White
Soysambu Conservancy Lake Nakuru National park
Natural Causes
14-Mar-22
Antelope
Naivasha
Snared
14-Mar-22
Giraffe
Crater Lake Conservancy
Snared
14-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
HWC
14-Mar-22
Buffalo
Lake Elementaita
Rescue
15-Mar-22
Giraffe
Naivasha
Snared
15-Mar-22
Zebra
16-Mar-22
Zebra
16-Mar-22
Zebra
16-Mar-22
Zebra
16-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
18-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
18-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
18-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
21-Mar-22
Zebra
Naivasha
21-Mar-22
Other
Naivasha
Soysambu Conservancy Soysambu Conservancy Soysambu Conservancy Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
Snared Snared Snared Snared Snared Natural Causes Natural Causes Natural Causes Natural Causes Natural Causes
The zebra had been snared and tethered on a tree by a winch wire The zebra had a winch wire snare and a plastic plate on both hind leg The zebra had been snared by a wire around the neck The zebra had been injured and wounded on right hind leg The zebra had been injured and wounded on left hind leg The zebra had been injured and wounded on left hind leg The zebra had been injured and wounded on right hind leg The zebra had been snared and wounded by a plastic plate on left front A white rhino calf was examined for a wound on the right flank This female oryx had been snared by a nylon rope on the neck and horns This male giraffe had been snared by a wire on the hind leg Had suffered a sharp object possibly by barbed wire fencing Rescue of a male buffalo trapped and stuck in the mud at the shore The male giraffe had been snared and wounded by a winch wire on left hind leg The zebra had been snared and wounded by winch wire on the right hind leg The zebra had been snared by a wire on the neck The zebra had been snared by a wire on the neck the zebra had been snared by a wire on the neck The zebra had been wounded on right hind leg by a wire snare The zebra had been injured and wounded on right hind leg The zebra was suffering an extensive, recurring, infected tumor mass The zebra had been wounded on the left hind leg The male zebra had been injured and wounded on the right front leg the zebra had been wounded on the left hind leg
Outcome Poaching Death Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Task Successful Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Prognosis Poor Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Died Successfully Treated Successfully Treated Successfully Treated
23-Mar-22
Zebra
24-Mar-22
Other
30-Mar-22
Antelope
Soysambu Conservancy Lake Nakuru National Park Saiwa Swamp NP
Snared Research/ Survey Research/ Survey
The male zebra had been injured and wounded on right front leg The zebra had been wounded on the left hind leg The male zebra had been injured and wounded on right front leg
Successfully Treated Task Successful Task Successful
Case 1 – 2nd March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
This case was reported by Soysambu Conservancy staff. Immobilisation and examination This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had been snared and tethered to a tree by a winch wire. The zebra had sustained a fracture of the front leg. Prognosis Prognosis of the case was poor. The zebra was put to rest using Sodium phenobarbitone 4,000mg given by IV route.
Case 2 – 2nd March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
The zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had a winch wire snare and a plastic plate on both hind legs. The zebra had also suffered traumatic injuries on the legs. The zebra was treated with 9,000mg Alamycin, 200mg Flumeg and 4ml Noromectin. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 3 – 2nd March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
The zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had been snared by a wire on the neck. The prognosis of the case is favourable.
Case 4 – 2nd March 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Kalro, Naivasha
The zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had been injured on the right hind leg. The wound was cleaned liberally with water and flushed with Iodine to prevent infection. It was then sprayed with fly repellant. Alamycin, Flumeg, Noromectin and Catasol were also administered. Prognosis is favourable.
Case 5 – 2nd March 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Kalro, Naivasha
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra was wounded on the left hind leg. The wound was cleaned with water, Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin wound spray as a fly repellant. Then the zebra was administered with 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. Prognosis is good.
.
Case 6 – 3rd March 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Elementaita, Naivasha
This case was reported by Elementaita Weavers. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had been injured and wounded on the left hind leg. The wound was cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine then sprayed with Alamycin. Alamycin, Phenylbutzone, Noromectin and Catasol were also administered. The anesthesia was reversed and the prognosis for a full recovery was good.
Case 7 – 3rd March 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Elementaita, Naivasha
This case was reported by Elementaita Weavers, Naivasha. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had an injury to the right hind leg which was cleaned with water and Iodine, then sprayed with fly replellant. The zebra was also given Alamycin, Phenylbutazone, Normoectin and Catasol. The zebra should make a full recovery.
.
Case 8 – 12th March 2022 Zebra
Snare
Soysambu Conservancy
Soysambu Conservancy staff reported that a zebra had been snare and wounded by a plastic plate on the left front leg. The Vet darted the zebra with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The plate was removed and the resultant wound cleaned with water, Iodine and then sprayed with fly repellant. The zebra was also administered with 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone and 4ml Noromectin. The anesthetic was reversed and the zebra given a good prognosis.
Case 9 – 12th March 2022 White Rhino
Natural Causes
Lake Nakuru National Park
In the Chemi chemi area of Lake Nakuru National Park, the Vet Unit examined a white rhino calf which had
a wound on the ight flank. The calf is 9 months old, with a bright demeanor and running with the mother. Intervention had a high probability of separating the calf and mother with an undesirable outcome. It was decided to not intervene at the moment and continue monitoring the baby rhino.
Case 10 – 14th March 2022 Oryx
Snared
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This female oryx had been snared by a nylon rope on the neck and horns. The oryx was darted using 6mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone. The rope was removed and luckily had not caused any injuries so the oryx was immediately reversed from the anesthesia with 36mg Diprenorphine. Prognosis is good.
Case 11 – 14th March 2022 Giraffe
Snared
Crater Lake Conservancy
Whist on routine patrol, the Unit found a male giraffe that had been snared by a wire on the hind leg. The Vet darted the giraffe with 14mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone so the snare could be removed. Once the snare was removed the resultant wound was cleaned liberally with water and disinfected with Iodine. A fly spray was applied the giraffe given 18,000mg Alamycin and 2,000mg Phenylbutazone. The anaesthetic was reversed, and the giraffe given a good prognosis.
Case 12 – 14th March 2022 Zebra
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Olerai Farm, Naivasha
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had suffered a sharp object cut on the perineum opening the urethra at the perineal region. This may have been caused as the zebra crossed over a fence. The vet surgically repaired the open urethra at the perineum. The wound was cleaned with water and disinfected with Iodine, then sprayed with a fly repellant. Then the zebra was given 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. The zebra should make a full recovery.
Case 13 – 14th March 2022 Buffalo
Rescue
Lake Elementaita
KWS at the Lake Elementaita Station reported a buffalo that was stuck in the mud at the lakes edge. The Vet Unit responded to the case and immobilized the buffalo with 9mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. The buffalo was then roped and tugged free of the mud. Examination revealed the buffalo had a disability due to a healed fracture of the right hind leg. He was given Alamycin, Phenylabutazone, Noromectin and Catasol then the anesthetic was reversed. The buffalo should make a full recovery.
Case 14 – 15th March 2022 Giraffe
Snared
Lentolia Conservancy, Naivasha
The giraffe was darted with 13mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone. The male giraffe had been snared by a winch wire on the left hind leg. The wire was removed and the wound cleaned with water then disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with fly repellant. The giraffe was also given 18,000mg Alamycin and 2,000MG Phenylbutazone intramuscularly and 8ml Noromectin subcutaneously. Prognosis is good.
Case 15 – 15th March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Examination revealed the zebra had a winch wire snare around the right hind leg. Once the snare had been removed the wound was cleaned thoroughly with water and Iodine. Alamycin spray was applied to repel flies then the zebra was given Alamycin, Phenylbutazone, Noromectin and Catasol to prevent infection, inflammation, and ward off parasites. The prognosis of the case is good.
Case 16 – 16th March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
The zebra was immobilized with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. A snare was removed from the zebra’s neck, which luckily hadn’t caused any injuries, so no further treatment was required. The anesthetic was reversed and the zebra released with a good prognosis.
\
Case 17 – 16th March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
Soysambu Conservancy reported that a zebra had been found with a snare around the neck. This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The snare was then easily removed from the neck and as it had not caused any injuries, the anesthetic was reversed and the zebra released. As the snare didn’t cause any injuries the zebra has a good prognosis.
Case 18 – 16th March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
This zebra was darted with 3mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. A wire snare was removed from the young zebra’s neck. Thankfully, the snare was not tight and easily removed. It also hadn’t caused any injuries, so the anesthetic was reversed and the zebra released. Prognosis is good.
Case 19 – 16th March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Karlo, Naivasha
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had a snare around the right hind leg and had also been snared around the neck. The wounds caused by the snare were cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with a fly repellant. The zebra was given 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Noromectin, and 30ml Catasol to prevent infection, reduce inflammation and keep away parasites. Prognosis is favourable.
Case 20– 18th March 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Ihindu Farms, Naivasha
The owner of Ihindu Farm reported that a zebra had an injury to the right hind leg. The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 1oomg Azaperone. The wound was quickly cleaned with water and Iodine then sprayed with fly repellant. The zebra was also given 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. The prognosis is favourable.
Case 21– 18th March 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
WRTI, Naivasha
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra was suffering an extensive, recurring, infected tumor mass on the neck. The prognosis of this case was poor and euthanasia was the only option. The zebra was put to rest with 4,000mg Sodium phenobarbitone.
Case 22– 18th March 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Ihindu Farm, Naivasha
This case was reported by the owner of Ihindu Farm. The zebra was immobilized with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Examination revealed a wound to the left hind leg which was cleaned liberally with water and Iodine. It was then sprayed with Alamycin fly repellant and the zebra was given 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Noromectin and 30ml Catasol. Ectoopor Spot On was also applied to control ticks and fleas. The anesthetic was reversed and the zebra given a good prognosis for recovery.
Case 23– 21st March 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
This case was reported by the Aquilla Farm Staff. The zebra was immobilized with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone to treat an injury to the right front leg. The wound was rinsed with water and Iodine then sprayed with Alamycin. The zebra was also administered with 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Noromectin and 30ml Catasol. Prognosis is good.
Case 24– 21st March 2022 Warthog
Natural Causes
WRT, Naivasha
The warthog was immobilized with 4mg Etorphine and 20mg Azaperone. On clinical examination the warthog had sustained injuries during a territorial fight to the abdomen and the back and the spinal cord had been involved leading to paralysis of the hind limbs. Prognosis of the case was poor. The warthog was put to rest using 2000mg of Sodium phenobarbitone given by IV route.
Case 25– 23rd March 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
The Unit stumbled on this case while on disease outbreak investigation at Lake Nakuru National Park. The zebra was immobilized with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone The zebra had a snare around the left front leg which had left a wound. The snare was removed and the wound rinsed with water and Iodine then sprayed with Alamycin. The zebra was also administered with 9,000mg Alamycin, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Noromectin and 20ml Catasol. Prognosis is favourable.
Case 26– 24th – 27th March 2022 Other
Research/Survey
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is a closed ecosystem covering an area of 188 km2 out of which 65km2 constitute the lake. The Park being a closed ecosystem faces diverse threats which calls for closer monitoring of its ecological processes. The population of herbivores particularly buffaloes has continued to increase over the years. Following reports from Central Rift Conservation Area management and Lake Nakuru National Park (LNNP) management on wildlife mortalities arising from the impacts of prolonged drought, KWS management in collaboration with the WRTI constituted a technical team to undertake a rapid assessment to inform immediate interventions to halt the mortalities.
There was no detection of anthrax from all samples analyzed during the assessment period. The buffalo deaths were suspected to be due to Theileriosis (January disease). Poor nutrition leads to exacerbation of Theileria piroplam parasites acting opportunistically resulting in compromised immunity and death. Due to the prevailing drought conditions, the forage status is low leading to reduced body condition of herbivores within the park. Body condition of buffalo herds was scored at an average of between 2-3 and that of rhinos at 3.5 on a scale of 1-5 with one being very poor and 5 excellent. Strategic supplementation might be required if the current drought situation persists and the rains are not adequate to facilitate recovery and regeneration of forage. There is limited connectivity of wildlife populations and habitat between the western and eastern sector which limits utilization of the available water and forage. There is need to have a comprehensive plan to ensure water is well distributed in the park and is available throughout the year.
Case 27– 30th & 31st March 2022 Sitatuga Antelope
Research/Survey
Saiwa Swamp National Park
Lake Saiwa Swamp National Park management has reported deaths in particular Sitatuga antelopes. Our main objective was to understand the cause of deaths in this species.
On 28th March, 2022, a warden reported about a wounded Sitatunga gazelle that required treatment. An officer from the Veterinary Department visited the park and treated the wounded animal with antibiotics. The animal died the following day, 29th March, 2022 and the same warden requested for a post mortem examination which revealed severe anemia from excessuve hemorrage as cause of death. There were reports of carcasses by Saiwa Swamp NP management that they stumbled on outside the park that had not been scavenged upon. It was of of importance to establish the cause of death(s). The Sitatuga deaths were clustered almost in one week and the in the same area, along the Kipsania river and close to the Kipsania bridge. Observation revealed the river had almost dried up and animals were trapped in a very narrow river bed. The riparian land had been heavily encroached by agricultural crop farming and the water reed which is the main river line vegetation had been depleted by livestock. Following the report, it was recommended to have continuous monitoring of the Sitatuga herds in and outside of the Park, to stop the encroachment and delimitation of riparian land and to stop agricultural activities (crop farming and livestock grazing) a pasture utilization.