It’s been over 8 months since we have seen a giraffe with skin lesions. This week we spotted the first infected Giraffe of the season. I am assuming they migrate south and then return here even though there is always a large local population in Chobe.
Last year I identified at least 9 individuals that were infected with a Virus causing a wart on the skin.
Calling Onderstepoort Veterinary faculty after speaking with Dr Roy Bejis of Kruger national park I discovered from the virology department that there had been 3 confirmed cases in Kruger park , 2 in Namibia and at least one in Tanzania. They managed to isolate and identify the virus as a member of the Papilloma viruses. Theses cause Warts in various species such as cattle, horses and humans.
The virus which is transmitted in different ways according to species, will cause a wart on the skin of the Giraffe. It appears to be irritating and the giraffe will often rub the affected area causing the warts to rupture and later get infected. It can be self limiting or progressive due to the individuals immune system. The warts eventually harden and turn in to a type of cancer called a Sarcoid.
It is believed that transmission is from Giraffe to Giraffe by the constant grooming of the Ox pecker bird jumping from animal to animal with the virus on its beak.
Although not a disease that affects the animal in a severe ill health way. It is mostly unsightly, and can get infected and cause problems in this way. We had discussions last year about the possibility of euthanizing animals with SEVERE lesions, but we did not have the heart to do so, as they otherwise appeared healthy and enjoying their life happily browsing on leaves and looking at you with that silly expression that wants one to ask “ Why such a long face”. Instead I dart them with a combination and antibiotics and steroids which seem to give them relief from itching and temporarily clear up the infected warts. If we were to euthanize things that were ugly I would have been shot a long time ago.
The good news is that after speaking with various viral experts there is a possibility of developing a vaccine that can be administered to the affected beast via a dart and in theory that this will stimulate the animals immune system to produce antibodies that may cure that animal. This is how affected cattle and horses can be cured, I am awaiting procurement of funding before proceeding with this project.
In the big picture it’s not of severe importance as it seems like it’s a virus specific to this animal. But I’m sure for the individual it would be a great relief. Perhaps this virus is just starting to spread and since its found in various different areas in Africa would be a interesting project to pursue.
Giraffes are difficult animals to tranquilize as their heads need to be kept upright otherwise they tend to die, so experienced game capture individuals, would need to be involved to collect samples of the lesions to develop a vaccine.
