High mortality rate of giraffes unknown (Agrimonitor)
Concern has been expressed about the unusually high number of unexplained giraffe mortalities that have recently been reported and could have a very negative impact on the wildlife in Namibia.
Wildlife Vets Namibia, in a letter to game farmers, said that in recent days, they have received reports of an unusually high mortality rate experienced among giraffes on multiple farms north of Okahandja and Omaruru.
It said that most of these giraffes were found dead without any prior clinical symptoms.
“One report describes three to four giraffes exhibiting signs of depression, lethargy, drooling, and standing in bushes.”
Wildlife Vets said that at this stage, the cause of death of these mortalities is unknown, however, added that given the symptoms described, one possible cause of death could be rabies.
“Currently, there are several outbreaks of rabies amongst kudu and eland, however, the outbreaks seem to be concentrated more to the south-east of Windhoek, whereas none of the farmers experiencing giraffe mortalities have noticed any recent cases of rabies in kudu or jackal.”
It said that giraffes, like any other mammal, could become infected with rabies. Other possibilities could be anthrax or botulism.
Wildlife Vets Namibia explained that Botulism is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
It said that giraffes as well as other ruminants are known to eat bones when there is a phosphate deficiency in the food.
“In Namibia this typically occurs in the wet season when grazing and browsing is lush. This is the reason why it is highly recommended to supplement licks with phosphate during the summer and autumn months.”
Wildlife Vets said that Botulism causes complete paralysis of the affected animals and post mortem examinations are typically negative (no abnormalities found), with the exception of bone fragments that may be found in the rumen.
Another possible cause could be anthrax that causes mass mortalities with a predominance of mortalities in specific species, however, one would expect to also see an increased mortality amongst other game species.
“Animals with anthrax die very suddenly and sick animals are rarely observed. In anthrax cases one usually sees lots of bloody fluid leaking from the mouth, nose, anus etc. This is a highly contagious disease that can kill people. If you find a carcass of an animal with unexplained bleeding from body openings and the skin, inform your veterinarian and do not cut open the carcass.” Wildlife Vets warned.
It added that the meat may not be eaten by people or other animals.
“As you can see, we currently do not know what the cause of these mortalities are. We urgently need more information regarding the extent of giraffe mortalities, both in numbers and locations, feedback regarding symptoms observed and, ideally, we would like to do post-mortems on such giraffes to try and find the cause,” said Wildlife Vets.
It said that game farmers should contact them if they have any observations of giraffes showing abnormal behaviour, or if they have sick or dead giraffes on their farm.
It said that farmers should also take photos and videos of giraffes displaying abnormal behaviour, or from the carcass. Ideally, also send a GPS point, or indicate the approx. location.
“In case of a fresh carcass, please remove the head (ideally wear gloves and be careful for blood splatters in the face) and send this on ice to us, do not freeze, but keep cool.”
Wildlife Vets said that they will have the brain tested at the Central Veterinary Lab for rabies.
It said in the case where a farmer has found a fresh carcass or has shot a sick giraffe, they would like to, if possible, come out and do a post-mortem examination to collect the necessary samples for a diagnosis.
“We consider this a serious situation that could have a very negative impact on wildlife in Namibia. As a result, we will, wherever possible, come out and investigate this disease free of charge. We will greatly value your assistance in this matter; with more data and samples, we can hopefully determine the cause of death.”
Wildlife Vets Namibia, in a letter to game farmers, said that in recent days, they have received reports of an unusually high mortality rate experienced among giraffes on multiple farms north of Okahandja and Omaruru.
It said that most of these giraffes were found dead without any prior clinical symptoms.
“One report describes three to four giraffes exhibiting signs of depression, lethargy, drooling, and standing in bushes.”
Wildlife Vets said that at this stage, the cause of death of these mortalities is unknown, however, added that given the symptoms described, one possible cause of death could be rabies.
“Currently, there are several outbreaks of rabies amongst kudu and eland, however, the outbreaks seem to be concentrated more to the south-east of Windhoek, whereas none of the farmers experiencing giraffe mortalities have noticed any recent cases of rabies in kudu or jackal.”
It said that giraffes, like any other mammal, could become infected with rabies. Other possibilities could be anthrax or botulism.
Wildlife Vets Namibia explained that Botulism is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
It said that giraffes as well as other ruminants are known to eat bones when there is a phosphate deficiency in the food.
“In Namibia this typically occurs in the wet season when grazing and browsing is lush. This is the reason why it is highly recommended to supplement licks with phosphate during the summer and autumn months.”
Wildlife Vets said that Botulism causes complete paralysis of the affected animals and post mortem examinations are typically negative (no abnormalities found), with the exception of bone fragments that may be found in the rumen.
Another possible cause could be anthrax that causes mass mortalities with a predominance of mortalities in specific species, however, one would expect to also see an increased mortality amongst other game species.
“Animals with anthrax die very suddenly and sick animals are rarely observed. In anthrax cases one usually sees lots of bloody fluid leaking from the mouth, nose, anus etc. This is a highly contagious disease that can kill people. If you find a carcass of an animal with unexplained bleeding from body openings and the skin, inform your veterinarian and do not cut open the carcass.” Wildlife Vets warned.
It added that the meat may not be eaten by people or other animals.
“As you can see, we currently do not know what the cause of these mortalities are. We urgently need more information regarding the extent of giraffe mortalities, both in numbers and locations, feedback regarding symptoms observed and, ideally, we would like to do post-mortems on such giraffes to try and find the cause,” said Wildlife Vets.
It said that game farmers should contact them if they have any observations of giraffes showing abnormal behaviour, or if they have sick or dead giraffes on their farm.
It said that farmers should also take photos and videos of giraffes displaying abnormal behaviour, or from the carcass. Ideally, also send a GPS point, or indicate the approx. location.
“In case of a fresh carcass, please remove the head (ideally wear gloves and be careful for blood splatters in the face) and send this on ice to us, do not freeze, but keep cool.”
Wildlife Vets said that they will have the brain tested at the Central Veterinary Lab for rabies.
It said in the case where a farmer has found a fresh carcass or has shot a sick giraffe, they would like to, if possible, come out and do a post-mortem examination to collect the necessary samples for a diagnosis.
“We consider this a serious situation that could have a very negative impact on wildlife in Namibia. As a result, we will, wherever possible, come out and investigate this disease free of charge. We will greatly value your assistance in this matter; with more data and samples, we can hopefully determine the cause of death.”
