Health Assessment of Arabian Oryx at AL Wusta Wildlife Reserve as revealed by Weight, Skin Lesion, Blood Parasites and External Parasites

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Qais Al Rawahi, Jaime Gongora

A’Sharqiyah University, Oman
University of Sydney, Australia

: J Vet Sci Med Diagn

Abstract

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Health and diseases are critical factors that influence the understanding of the adaptation of captivity Arabian oryx and informing effective conservation management plans. Though, there is a lack in comprehensive health assessments of captive Arabian oryx (Haseeb A. Khan, 2010, Clausen and Andersen, 1988) herds in Oman, due to the difficulties and risk of chemical immobilization to obtain veterinary checkup and sampling collection. Here, we report the results of the health assessment, as well as the method used to capture captive Arabian oryx at AL Wusta Wildlife Reserve in Oman. 143 animals were captured and checked as a part of controlling the tick infestation in this captivity. After physical restrain using Tamer II, all 143 animals were subjected to routine veterinary check-ups, weight, and biological sample collection. Tamer II was very effective for restraining and capturing Arabian oryx. It was very quick and safe for both veterinarians and the animal itself. Results showed a mean weight of 84 kg for the adult Arabian oryx and 40 kg for the calf. There were 26 adult cases that had skin lesions on the crop. The results of investigating the blood and external parasites showed a prevalence of 4% and 11% respectively. The calves and juveniles were generally in good condition had neither tick infestation nor blood parasites. This investigation illustrates the potential importance of even basic screening strategies in helping to avoid disease transfer and inform a captive management plan. In the future, disease preventive measures should be implanted regularly including vaccination and parasites control programs for the Arabian oryx at AL Wusta Wildlife Reserve. Recent Publications 1. Rescued back from extinction in the wild: past, present and future of the genetics of the Arabian oryx in Oman, Q Al Rawahi, JL Mijangos, MS Khatkar, MA Al Abri, MH AlJahdhami, Royal Society open science 9 (3), 210558. 2. Postmortem Findings in Captive Sand Gazelle and Arabian Oryx at Al-Wusta Wildlife Reserve, Oman, K Goraya, Q ALRawahi, S ALBalushi, H ALSaadi, S ALRahbi, Z ALAlawi,. Pakistan Journal of Zoology 53 (4), 1583. 3. A sand gazelle project launched in Al Wusta wildlife reserve, Oman, K Al Jahwari, Q Al Rawahi, Wildlife Middle East News 7 (1), 1-3.

Biography

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Qais Abdullah Alrawahi is a well-qualified conservationist and veterinarian offering strong knowledge of native species conservation and invasive species management. Offering 17 years of expertise leveraging animal health, wildlife reserve management tools to meet conservation objectives. Excellent history of implementing new veterinary services and techniques.