By Gerald Kitabu
2nd June 2014
Ninety per cent of all giraffes in
the country’s biggest national park, Ruaha National Park are affected by a fast
spreading and unidentified disease, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has
reported.
The report says scientists from the university in collaboration with the Tanzania National Park Authority (TANAPA) are striving to control the disease which has already been identified in other national parks in the country including Tarangire.
SUA Professor Gerald Msinzo said the disease is bacterial and was first noticed by TANAPA officials who now warn that the giraffes, the country’s animal symbol are in grave danger and immediate concerted action must be taken to control the disease.
He said the disease is characterised by severe weakening of the animal, development of skin rashes that then turn into scars and wounds on their legs.
“The disease weakens the giraffes affecting their mobility which in turn affects their eating and socialising habits,” he explained, noting that the weakness also makes them vulnerable to attacks by predators that they otherwise were able to fend off.
He said samples of the bacteria that cause the disease have been sent to laboratories at the university and elsewhere for analysis in a bid to identify the disease and find a cure.
“We have already conducted preliminary research on the cause and cure of the disease…we are now working on the second phase of the research to find a solution,” Professor Gerald Msinzo said.
No information was availed as to whether the disease can cross over specie boundaries and affect other animals, plants or even humans.
The report says scientists from the university in collaboration with the Tanzania National Park Authority (TANAPA) are striving to control the disease which has already been identified in other national parks in the country including Tarangire.
SUA Professor Gerald Msinzo said the disease is bacterial and was first noticed by TANAPA officials who now warn that the giraffes, the country’s animal symbol are in grave danger and immediate concerted action must be taken to control the disease.
He said the disease is characterised by severe weakening of the animal, development of skin rashes that then turn into scars and wounds on their legs.
“The disease weakens the giraffes affecting their mobility which in turn affects their eating and socialising habits,” he explained, noting that the weakness also makes them vulnerable to attacks by predators that they otherwise were able to fend off.
He said samples of the bacteria that cause the disease have been sent to laboratories at the university and elsewhere for analysis in a bid to identify the disease and find a cure.
“We have already conducted preliminary research on the cause and cure of the disease…we are now working on the second phase of the research to find a solution,” Professor Gerald Msinzo said.
No information was availed as to whether the disease can cross over specie boundaries and affect other animals, plants or even humans.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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