SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT OCTOBER 2019
Introduction
2 Cases in October
50% Success
1 Elephant Case
October 2019 Report by Dr. Bernard Rono
This report describes activities of the Meru Veterinary Unit in northern Kenya in October 2019. Following the drought, the short rain season started in October in northern Kenya. This came as a relief for wildlife which was affected negatively by the drought. In Ol Malo ranch, Laikipia the veterinary unit attended to an elephant which showed severe lameness due to a gunshot injury. We continued to monitor the health status of buffalo in Meru National Park. The veterinarian also attended training on rhino medicine and a validation workshop for monitoring illegal killing of elephants (MIKE). Acknowledgement The Meru veterinary unit is supported by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which provides financial and logistical support. We also acknowledge support of KWS management and rangers in the field who monitor wildlife and report cases for treatment
Case Details Date
01-Oct-19
15-Oct-19
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Examination revealed an open abscess with a deep penetrating wound dorsal to the elbow joint. The wound was more Ol Malo Elephant Bullet Wound the 20 cm deep and bone fragments Conservancy were felt. This injury is consistent with wounds caused by a high velocity projectile Our assessment revealed a rejuvenation of vegetation in previously degraded Meru areas. Buffalo herds in Murera and Buffalo National Research/Survey Mulika showed a recovery of body score Park and were congregated into large herds. We recorded five buffalo carcasses at least 2 to 3 weeks old
Outcome
Prognosis Poor
Task Successful
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations October 2019
. Case
1 – 1st October 2019
Elephant
Bullet Wound
Ol Malo Conservancy, Laikipia
On 1st October, a female elephant in Ol Malo ranch showed severe lameness on its left forelimb which was unable to bear weight. It had been treated three weeks earlier by the Nanyuki Veterinary team for an open abscess but showed little improvement. The ranch requested for repeat treatment of its injuries.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was found in a thicket and darted from foot with 10mg Etorphine hydrochlorid. The elephant went down on the left side after 5 minutes and was flipped to the right side so its left leg could be examined. Examination revealed an open abscess with a deep penetrating wound dorsal to the elbow joint. The wound was more the 20 cm deep and bone fragments were felt. This injury is consistent with wounds caused by a high velocity projectile. The elephant was in good body condition and had access to plenty of water and feed. The wound was lavaged with dilute Hydrogen peroxide and povidone Iodine. Antibiotic and antiinflammatory drugs were administered by the intramuscular route. Prognosis Although the elephant has access to food and water, prognosis for recovery was considered poor. The Unit advised close monitoring of its progress and reported to the warden for follow up.
Case 2 – October 2019 Buffalo
Research/Survey
Meru National Park
In September 2019, an assessment of the buffalo population health in Meru National Park showed that malnutrition due to drought was the main cause of death and low body condition score in buffalo. Two weeks following the onset of the short rain season in early October the Unit carried out a follow up assessment on buffalo herd health and their habitat status. Our assessment revealed a rejuvenation of vegetation in previously degraded areas. Buffalo herds in Murera and Mulika showed a recovery of body score and were congregated into large herds. The Unit recorded five buffalo carcasses at least 2 to 3 weeks old which coincided with the onset of the rains. No new carcasses were found in Kambi Baridi swamp where at least 10 buffalo had died by getting stuck in receding swamps in September. With continued rains the Unit is confident that the population of buffalo and other herbivores will soon recover to pre drought levels. The Unit will continue to monitor the wildlife health status within the park and advice on measures to mitigate factors that may adversely affect health status of wildlife.
Other Activities 1. The veterinarian attended a workshop on rhino medicine at Mpala ranch on 7 to 12 October 2019. This training was facilitated by wildlife veterinarians from the Smithsonian Institute and Pretoria University. Participants were veterinarians from KWS, universities and wildlife veterinarians in Kenya and Uganda. The aim of this workshop was to train participants on modern capture methods for endangered black rhino, discuss emerging disease challenges, therapeutics and diagnostics. 2. The veterinarian also participated in a validation workshop for Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) in Meru area on October 1- 3.
Report by Dr. Bernard Rono