TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK - MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT: MONTHLY REPORT REPORTING PERIOD: MARCH 2004 REPORTED BY: DR. DAVID NDEEREH

This is the fifth monthly report since the project kicked off in November 2004. In the previous months, six cases on average would be attended to each month. However, this month was exceptionally quiet with only two cases requiring veterinary intervention. Amboseli reported that cases of spearing elephants went down after the rains, and Tsavo West and Shimba Hills also confirmed that there were no cases of injury seen. No cases were also reported from the private ranches. The sudden reduction in the number of cases could possibly be attributed to the rains experienced in January and early part of February resulting to abundant browse and water within the protected areas. Thus, most animals are within these areas reducing incidences of human-wildlife conflicts. Most part of this month was spent driving round the parks where animals were observed to be healthy.

An injured Zebra Foal at Manyani Gate The foal aged about 2 months was seen on 3rd March limping with the right hind leg. Close observation revealed that the hooves had been taken out by an unclear cause, but could possibly be a snare. It could still bear some weight on this leg. It was immobilised for close observation and treatment. The wound was not infected. It was cleaned and treated topically, and a systemic antibiotic of long acting amoxycillin was given.

Recent reports indicate that there has been tremendous improvement. An assessment to determine progress will be done after a month.

Grants Gazelle with Mange at Dika Plains The gazelle was sighted at Dika plains with severe mange. Two other gazelles with the same disease were treated at Sala gate in January. This particular gazelle was immobilised with a mixture of M99® and xylazine hydrochloride and treated with Ivermectin (Ivomec®) subcutaneously. It was also given some long acting amoxycillin (Betamox®) and revived with M5050® and Antisedan®.