Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit - April 2004

For the second consecutive month, the caseload has been very low

For the second consecutive month, the caseload has been very low. This can be attributed to the recent rains that have resulted to abundant browse and water being widely available in the parks. Most animals are therefore in the protected areas reducing the incidences of human- wildlife conflicts. The animals have also become widely dispersed and difficult to find.

The unit was in frequent communication with the other areas under its jurisdiction namely Tsavo West, Amboseli, Shimba Hills and the ranches in Taita-Taveta district which did confirm that there were no cases of injury or sickness seen. In the entire month, the unit attended to only one case; a zebra stallion in Tsavo East that was seen limping and unable to bear weight on its right hind leg. The zebra was very excited and was not approachable close enough to be able to determine the nature and extent of the injury. We thus immobilised it with a combination of M99® and xylazine hydrochloride for a more detailed examination. It was found to have had a wire snare that had come out a few days before.

The inflicted wound was treated topically and the animal given an antibiotic cover of long acting oxytetracycline and corticosteroids (Dexamethasone) to alleviate the pain. Reversal of anaesthesia was achieved by M5050® and Antisedan®.